Indian Red Cross Society a Report from Relief to Rehabilitation Tsunami 2004

Indian Red Cross Society A report from Relief to Rehabilitation Tsunami 2004

Background

The Tsunami waves triggered off by the massive earthquake that struck Sumatra (Indonesia) on 26th December 2004 left over 270,000 people dead and millions affected. The countries hit are on the rim of the Indian Ocean (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia and Thailand). In India over 10,749 lives were lost and thousands of people were left homeless along the 2000 km coastline (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Pondicherry (Union Territory) and Andaman & Nicobar islands). The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) at NHQ along with its branches in the affected states responded effectively by mobilizing local resources (financial and volunteers) to provide food and basic health care to the affected population.

The impact of Tsunami – Tamil Nadu

A three-member assessment team comprised of the Secretary General (IRCS) the Joint Secretary (IRCS) and the Federation disaster management (DM) delegate reached Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) on December 27th. The NDRT (national disaster response team) was deployed on 30th December to carry out a comprehensive sectoral and needs assessment of the affected population in Tamil Nadu. The IRCS, NHQ has provided the following relief to the tsunami affected people during the emergency phase:

• Distribution of non-food items from the existing disaster preparedness (DP) stock in regional warehouses 13,000 family packs - Tamil Nadu 6,000 family packs - Andaman and Nicobar Islands 7,000 family packs - Andhra Pradesh state

• Three WatSan units were sent to Tamil Nadu state and 5 mobile water purification plants were made functional in Dollyganj (Port Blair) which provides 100,000 liters of purified drinking water daily to approximately 1300 families.

• Psychological support and family link activities carried out by the volunteers at various levels in the affected areas.

• Emergency rations (BP 5 biscuits, water, milk and other food) along with clothing items were also distributed.

Community kitchen functional in one of the affected districts

Andaman and Nicobar Islands The IRCS has distributed 6,000 family packs in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These family packs were mobilized from the DP stock at the regional warehouse (Salt Lake Warehouse, Calcutta). The distribution of these DP stocks took place in the relief camps of Port Blair and the islands of Little Andaman, Car Nicobar and Nancowri, assisting a total of 32,000 people. This help included milk packets, mineral water bottles, biscuits, and phenol bottles and family kits. (The family kits consisted of 1 kitchen set, 1 cotton blanket, 1 bed sheet, 1 towel, 1 sari, 1 dhoti, 1 plastic sheet and 1 plastic bucket).

The logistical support for the transportation of the relief material was taken from the local administration as most of affected islands are far off and could only be reached by boats.

The IRCS has also deployed 5 Mobile Water Purification plants donated by the Spanish Red Cross (SRC). These were accompanied by a three member WatSan team consisting of two technicians and a WatSan Delegate from the SRC. The team was deployed to install the water and sanitation unit as well as to provide on the job training to the local people. These water purification plants supply 50,000 liters of purified drinking water every day to approximately 1300 families. 10MT of bleaching powder & 10MT of alum has also been made available by the Indian Red Cross.

Tamil Nadu The National Headquarters has sent 13,000 family packs (each pack consists of 1 kitchen set, 1 tarpaulin sheet, 1 plastic bucket, 1 bed sheet, 1 towel, 1 sari, 1 dhoti and 1 cotton blanket). The family packs were distributed in the affected districts of Nagapattinam (5000) Kanyakumari (5000) and Villupuram(1000). Emergency rations consisting of BP 5 biscuits (1872 kg) and other food and clothing items were also distributed. 120 MT of bleaching powder donated by DSCL has also been sent to the affected areas. The state branch is actively involved in relief operations and is coordinating with other stakeholders present. Local Red Cross volunteers helping the needy were provided with surgical masks and gloves.

A tracing cell has also been set up in Nagapattinam. Disaster Mental Health (DMH) trained volunteers are actively involved in relief work and psychological support at Sirgazhi and Tharangambadi sub-district. The Branch has mobilized local resources and volunteers by supplying relief material such as (milk powder, protine, medicines, rice, torches, batteries, biscuits, nutritional drinks, water, utensils, and chappals to the affected districts of Nagapattinam Cuddalore,

Red Cross volunteers sorting assorted clothes

Chennai, kancheepuram and Kanyakumari.

As of February 1st the state branch had sent relief materials worth Rs.3.5 crores to the affected district branches. The state branches have received total cash receipt of Rs.1.5 crore. At many places the corporate sector was active and carried out relief activities along with the IRCS. Nestle provided cooked food bread and milk/tea in collaboration with Coca Cola who provided 3500 cases of water (12 liters in each case). Nestle India contributed 2000 cases (12x1000ml) of milk. They have also donated 314 cases (72x100x314) of uncooked noodles. Tetra Pack India through the Indian Red Cross has donated 6000 liters of milk to Tamil Nadu. DSCL India has donated 120 tons of bleaching powder for the affected areas in Andaman and Tamil Nadu. Bata has donated shoes and sandals and Osho has donated 10 cartons of bed sheets.

The Andhra Pradesh state branch sent a truckload of medical supplies to the Tamil Nadu state branch. The Gujarat state branch is supporting the Tsunami victims of Tamil Nadu by supplying saris, dhotis, blankets, bed sheets, towels, clothing for children, toothpowder and candles. 950 such family kits have been sent to Tamil Nadu.

The National Headquarters had deployed three water purification units donated by USAID to Tamil Nadu (one each to Nagapattinam, Kanyakumari and Cuddalore districts). The technical support in terms of personnel and tankers for supplying water is being provided by Coca Cola India.

Kerala

The Maharashtra state branch sent relief material consisting of food, clothing and medicines to the Kerala state branch. A team of 8 doctors, 3 paramedics, 1 Administrative Officer, nurses and 11 volunteers reached Kollam district in Kerala to provide medical assistance and help in relief distribution. They have also sent a large consignment of food, water, medicines and clothing. The Bihar state branch sent 1000 family kits to the Allapuzha district branch consisting of dhotis, saris, tarpaulin sheets, bed sheets, steel glasses, beaten rice, dal, jaggery, candles and matches.

Andhra Pradesh

The IRCS National Headquarters has sent 2000 kitchen sets and 4000 cotton blankets to the Andhra Pradesh state branch. The Bihar state branch has sent 2000 family kits to the Andhra Pradesh state branch. The Gujarat state branch supported the Tsunami victims of Andhra Pradesh by supplying saris, dhotis, blankets, bed sheets, towels, clothing for children, toothpowder and candles. 500 such family kits were sent to Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh state branch also helped the Sri Lankan Red Cross by sending 50–100 liters of milk every day during the initial emergency. They have also sent medical supplies to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Livelihood & Rehabilitation The IRCS has finalized a Country Strategy & Operational Framework (CSOF) for the short term recovery (focusing on livelihood) and medium to long term phase focusing mainly on rehabilitation and branch development in the affected states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The CSOF was finalized after the ‘Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Meeting’ held in Chennai from 27th January to 29th January 2005. The purpose of this meeting was to hold discussions with the affected state & district branches including PNS’s and the Federation. A consensus was reached that after the short term recovery phase a detailed in- depth and multi-sectoral technical assessment will follow for the long term recovery phase.

In addition to the short and long-term needs, the Indian Red Cross has prioritized the replenishment of 30,000 as well as pre-positioning of 20,000 family packs of non-food items along with the procurement of 20,000 family tents for further needs as disaster preparedness (DP) stock for future response.