Tsunami relief work by VHS-APAC

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Tsunami Relief operations by VHS-APAC

In the early hours of Sunday morning 26th December, the eastern coast of India

was hit by a tsunami wave. The total extent of the damage was unknown for a few

days and the toll still mounts.

The Voluntary Health Services has operated five Mini Health Centers along the

east coast road since the early 70's providing, the populations under the care

of the VHS scheme as well as the Mini Health Center buildings were affected by

this natural calamity.

1. Immediate Response

From Sunday afternoon itself, the staff of VHS-APAC and the Mini Health Centers

started to provide immediate medical care for those injured and for evacuation

to safer places. Doctors and paramedical staff, along with medicines, are

providing medical attention along east coast road for as long as necessary.

2. Present Preventive Measures

a. Safe Drinking Water

The primary concern was to prevent outbreaks of water borne diseases and

therefore all the 5 Mini Health Centers were provided with bleaching powder,

disposable gloves, chlorine tablets and containers to store drinking water in.

Uninterrupted supply of clean water has been ensured and till date there has

been no outbreak diarrhoeal diseases in the area covered.

b. Temporary Sanitation Facility

VHS is providing temporary toilets at the sites where the displaced populations

are being accommodated.

c. Provision of Minimum Needs

Each affected family was provided with a blanket, cooking utensils, rice and

dhal (lentils) along with a thick plastic sheet for shelter; approximately a

population of 2,000 has been covered through this humanitarian aid distribution

done through the VHS Mini Health centers.

3. Mid - Term Rehabilitation

VHS staff will provide for psychological counseling as required. Lists of the

affected who have lost their means of livelihood such as boats an fishing nets

have been submitted to the Government in order claim eligible compensation.

VHS will look to set up safe drinking water tanks in each of these villages as

well as some basic provision of thatched accommodation.

4. Appeal

Since the need for the relief was immediate, VHS-APAC has procured items such as

blankets and medicines. VHS has already spent an amount of more than Rs 200,000

and the final figure is likely to be several times higher.

Anyone willing to contribute to this effort can send cheques/drafts payable to

VHS at Chennai, and addressed to Hony. Secy VHS, TTTI Post, Taramani Road,

Chennai 600013. Contribution to VHS is exempted from tax under section 80G.

Dr.P.Krishnamurthy

Project Director

E-mail: <apacvhs@...>