A Report On The Relief Work Carried
Out By The Swayamsevks Of Tamil Nadu
Soon After The Massive Tidal Wave
Struck On December 26, 2004
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
