Tsunami          | English | Deutsch | svensksa|

Tsunami was not familiar to the people of Tamilnadu until 26^th December 2004.  They had experience with heavy rains, storm, cyclone and knew some safety measures. But it was a normal sunny Sunday morning on 26^th December of 2004, children on Christmas holidays playing near the sea and women were at home. They are taken unaware of this huge tragedy- the Tsunami. There were widespread death and wailing all over coastline, which took our hearts.

I was working with a Läs och Res tour group when the news came.  I could join our team only on the third day, 28^th December.  Already our team was in the coast. It was our first priority to make sure that our sponsored children who were living in the coastal villages were safe.  I am glad that each one of them is safe.

The situation was grim. It is the most horrible tragedy the poor coastline people ever faced in the recent past. There were people who lost family, properties and stranded with shock and trauma. None of the old-timers could recall an incident in which the sea "attacked land", killed people and destroyed their belongings.  The tsunami has wreaked havoc on Nagore, Keechankuppam, Akkarapetai, Velankanni, Seruthur, Vedaranyam and Poompuhar.

We travelled far and wide in this area, plunged into action with relief materials, medicines, masks, food, clothes and drinking water packets.  We mainly focused on non-fishing villages where relief materials did not reach.  We did our best to help the people who were battered and survived by this great calamity to start a new life.

We appealed for helping hands to provide support to the Tsunami victims.  Intacts Vänner, Sweden and Intact Schweiz, Switzerland immediately responded to the call and raised support, which made it easy for INTACT to help the people who were in utmost need.  Mrs.Elsbeth Scacchi from Intact Schweiz went in public reaching out visual and printed media and there was good response from the people.  Apart from getting the needed help for Tsunami Relief and Rehabilitation activities, the activities of INTACT in India and INTACT Schweiz could be made well known in Switzerland.

The travel company, Läs och Res, Stockholm, Sweden rushed SEK 25000 to INTACT towards relief work.  A separate wing in the name of “INTACT Catastrophe Foundation” was formed and funds raised to enable the foundation to carryout the rehabilitation work in Tsunami hit areas and also to be prepared to face any future catastrophe. 

-Relief materials were distributed to the needy victims

-Temporary Shelters provided for a few families until the Government proposed an alternate package.

-Rice were distributed to families towards immediate livelihood rehabilitation

-Brick making project started in Adaikalapuram towards Livelihood rehabilitation for twenty families

-Child Activity Centres opened in Keelaiyur village to help  62 children.

-50 boys and girls from families those are affected by Tsunami are extended fostership help for their education and a future career from Poompuhar areas

A short summary about the relief and rehabilitation work undertaken by INTACT Catastrophe Foundation is attached. Short Summary on Tsunami Rehabilitation

INTACT Catastrophe Foundation:

INTACT Catastrophe Foundation will be a continuous process. Any further support will be greatly appreciated. 

For information about bank details for transferring your contribution click here.

Application for Child Fostership

So far 50 boys and girls from families those are affected by Tsunami are extended fostership help for their education and a future career. There are many more children who can be helped. 

I know there are hundreds of individuals who have sent their support through our partner organiations.  I thank you one and all for reaching out and being with us at the time of crisis and great tragedy.

Thomas Ebenezer