Supported thousands of families from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Tamil Nadu who were affected by the tsunami, which added a different perspective to the natural disaster management in India
Project Initiated in
2004
Donations received
2,81,48,229/-
Status
Completed
On 26th December, 2004, The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami occurred with an epicentre off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. It was an undersea megathrust earthquake that registered a magnitude of 9.1–9.3 Mw, reaching a Mercalli intensity up to IX in certain areas. The earthquake was caused by a rupture along the fault between the Burma Plate and the Indian Plate. A series of large tsunami waves up to 30 metres (100 ft) high were created by the underwater seismic activity. Communities along the surrounding coasts of the Indian Ocean were seriously affected, and the tsunamis killed an estimated 227,898 people in 14 countries. The earthquake was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. The event is known by the scientific community also as the Sumatra–Andaman earthquake. In India, the deadly tidal waves caused widespread destruction and left more than 12,000 dead and over 5000 missing. Massive destruction was caused in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, coasts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Homes, agricultural lands, fishing boats and nets, precious flora and fauna were also extensively damaged.
Our efforts
Care Today Fund implemented the following projects in partnership with several organizations:
In the immediate aftermath of the tsunami, Care Today Fund rushed to help restore basic services in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, first by supporting an emergency medical team from St. John’s Hospital, Bangalore. Seven specialist doctors and nurses, with medical equipment and supplies based itself at Teresa and Kamorta Islands within two days of the disaster.
A boat service was introduced to maintain services for two months immediately after the disaster between Kapanga and East Bay on the Katchal Island.
In partnership with the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies (SIFFS), support was provided to 198 fishermen in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu to obtain fishing nets and related equipment.
In partnership with Nellai-Kattabomman Chidambaranar (NKC) Districts Federation of Fishworkers, a branch of SIFFS support was provided to 350 women fish vendors with fish vending baskets and another 287 women were provided with a working capital grant of Rs. 2000/- each in the selected coastal villages of Tuticorin &Tirunelveli districts. In addition, two fish drying and storage sheds in Manapadu and Kutapani villages were enabled to be functional.
Villagers of Prataparamapuram acknowledge India Today Group's support in constructing the warehouse
In partnership with SOS-India, support was provided to 1321 children, adversely affected by tsunami in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, who lost one or both parents. Their guardians were provided with a sum of Rs. 500/- per month for every child for a six-month period to meet their food, clothing and educational needs.
23 fibre-reinforced plastic boats were provided to fishermen in Akkampettai, Karaikal, Pondicherry to restore their livelihood, in partnership with SOS-India,. On 17th June, 2005 Sh. Aroon Purie, Editor-in-Chief, India Today Group, handed over the 23 boats to 92 families, along with fishing nets, iceboxes and motors.
In partnership with West Bengal Gandhi Peace Foundation (WBGPF) livelihood support were provided to 43 families in Little Andamans by enabling them to start small businesses – from opening sweet shops and bookstalls to tailoring centres, carpentry units and courier services.
In partnership with Tamil Nadu Organic Farmers’ Movement (TOFARM), support was provide to de-silt and revive 534 acres of agricultural land, benefitting 496 farmer families in three villages of Kovilpathu, Periyakuthagai and Naluvethapathy of Vedharanyam Taluka in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. The land had been inundated with seawater and was expected to take five years to recover from salinity. But as a result of this project, the beneficiaries grew paddy crops within a year and harvested bountifully.
In partnership with Dhan Foundation, four warehouses were constructed to store produce and seeds, benefitting over 1300 families in villages of Kovilpathu, Prataparamapuram, Thandavanajkulam and Vizhunthamavadi in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
In partnership with Parirakshak and a group of Nicobari youth called the Dosti Group, a boat service initiated between Campbell Bay and settlements on Great and Little Nicobars to improve commuting connectivity, enabling movement of people and materials
In partnership with Parirakshak, a Community Centre or Recreation Hall was constructed at Campbell Bay (Rajiv Nagar–I) Nicobaris Shelter Area.
A scholarship scheme was launched by Care Today Fund supporting 35 Nicobari students pursuing higher education. Under this, a sum of Rs. 2000/- was provided to each student every month for a year to support continuation of their studies.
Photo Gallery
Boat service restored by Care Today Fund in association with NGO Parirakshak and Dosti Group
C. Balaji Singh, Executive Director, Care Today Fund with villagers at the newly constructed warehouse at Kovilpathu, Nagapattinam
Community Centre or Recreation Hall constructed at Campbell Bay (Rajiv Nagar–I) Nicobaries Shelter Area
Grains stored at the newly constructed warehouse in Vizhunthamavadi village
Newly constructed Boat before being handed over to the beneficiaries
Newly constructed Fish drying yard in Manapadu village
Newly constructed warehouse at Prataparamapuram, Nagapattinam
Sh. Aroon Purie, Chairman, Care Today Fund along with fishermen dispelled fears by taking inaugural boat ride into the sea
Sh. Aroon Purie, Chairman, Care Today Fund handed over 23 boats and fishing equipment to 92 families in Akkampettai village, Pondicherry
Donation Details
Care Today Fund received a total donation of Rs. 2,81,48,229/-. We thanks all the donors who have contributed generously towards the effort.