CARE is providing those whose homes have been damaged with tarpaulins for immediate shelter. Later on CARE will help with longer term shelter needs. © CARECARE in India is planning to reach out to 20,000 of the most vulnerable families in Tamil Nadu’s coastal district of Cuddalore, which was ravaged by Cyclone Thane at the end of December.
The cyclone, accompanied by high speed winds, wreaked havoc across a wide swath of Cuddalore and the Union Territory of Puducherry, triggering extensive damage. A total of 48 people were killed and has resulted in extensive damage with the loss being estimated at over two hundred and fifty million pounds.
“As an immediate relief measure, CARE is providing the affected families with essentials like tarpaulins, candles, matchboxes as well as floor mats and hygiene kits, especially focusing on pregnant mothers and adolescent girls” said Dr. Muhammad Musa, CEO, CARE India.
With a large number of homes and buildings completely flattened, the need for a clear reconstruction plan, along with the resources to implement it, has become an necessity.
“Our aim is to reach out to the 20,000 most vulnerable families. Once this immediate crisis is managed, CARE will devote its energies to building shelters for the severely affected” he said.
CARE India’s work in the Tsunami-hit Tamil Nadu, providing livelihoods, education and health services, mean we are well placed to assist survivors of this disaster. “We know the people and topography of Tamil Nadu very well, a fact which has allowed us to launch major initiatives to mitigate the suffering of those devastated by Cyclone Thane” Dr. Musa said.
Mr. R. Devaprakash, the State Director for CARE in Tamil Nadu, said: “The need of the hour is to provide shelter, electricity and clean water to the survivors of this colossal tragedy. Besides essentials like tarpaulins and candles, we are also distributing a hygiene kit with basics such as shampoo, toothpaste, towels, and sanitary napkins, minimum household needs for people who have lost everything” he said.
CARE has been working in India for over 60 years, focusing on ending poverty through improvement in the lives and livelihoods of women from poor and marginalised communities. We do this through well-planned and comprehensive programmes in health, education, livelihoods and disaster response. We are part of a global network working for the empowerment of women and girls.
Help with disaster relief: Donate to our Rapid Response Fund.
