The earth quake that hit the East Coast line on December26, 2004 did extensive damage to many places of Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai, Pondichery, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Kanniyakumari. Tremors were initially felt around 6.30 in the morning. But around 8.45 a.m., the sea water raised upto 10 mtrs. With terrific speed engulfing the huts, houses and people living in the coastal areas and also people who were walking on the coastal road, children playing nearby, fishermen both in and out of sea. Fishing boats, fishnets and catamarans were extensively damaged.
By 10.30 a.m., swayamsevaks swung into action and involved themselves in the relief work and salvaging the dead. By noon 12.30 the swayamsevaks started distributing food packets. By evening, the relief work gained momentum and more and more swayamsevaks along with volunteers of many social service organisations like Ramakrishna Mutt etc., co-ordinated in arranging for food packets, buns, clothes, blankets, milk to the children etc. In some places, relief centres were opened and food prepared round the clock. Immediately, nearly 800 swayamsevaks involved themselves in relief work. Around 20,000 food packets were distributed. Six medical centres were opened for giving medical assistance. The response from the general public was also spontaneous as a result of which clothes arrived at the relief centres in a big way.
A survey is being conducted in the coastal belt to assess the extent of damage and the areas which need rehabilitation work. In the coming days, it is decided to take up rehabilitation work on a larger scale particularly providing of boats, fishing nets, blankets, utensils, supply of note books, text books to the students, construction of houses etc. An office has been opened for the relief work in the Sangh Karyalaya, Chennai. Sri Bhaktavatsalam, Saha-Prant Pracharak will co-ordinate the relief work. We appeal to the general public to co-operate by giving their donations at the earliest in the name of:
SEVA BHARATHI TAMILNADU (EARTH QUAKE RELIEF A/C)
'Shakti' No.1, M.V.Naidu Street, Chetput, Chenai 600 031.
Phone No. 2836 0243, 2836 1049
e.mail: rsschennai@eth.net &
vskchennai@vsnl.net.
DISTRICTWISE REPORT
CHENNAI
Immediately after the incident, 250 swayamsevaks swung into action and distributed 12,000 food pockets. In addition, blankets, sarees, bread, biscuits, milk to children were distributed. One medical van started operating with a team of doctors who went round the affected places and gave medicines. Two relief centres were opened and food prepared round the clock for distribution.
PONDICHERY
25 swayamsevaks immediately rushed to the affected places and distributed blankets, clothes. At Karaikal swayamsevaks engaged in the work of salvaging the dead bodies.
CUDDALORE
A medical team immediately went
round the affected places and gave medicines to more than thousand
persons.
NAGAPATTINAM
A relief centre has been opened. 50 swayamsevaks involved themselves in the relief work. Food packets along with water sachets and clothes were distributed.
KANYAKUMARI
Two medical teams started going
round the affected places and provided first-aid and medicines. 100
swayamsevaks were involved in the relief work. Food and clothes
were distributed.
(R.V.S. MARIMUTHU)
Samyuktha Prant Sanghchalak, Tamilnadu