No.32-5/2004-NDM-I
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs  

Subject:      Tsunami impact (26^th December 2004) in A &N Islands, UT of Pondicherry and other coastal States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala –Relief, Rehabilitation and other follow up measures       

            The Tsunamis have caused extensive damage in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the States of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and UT of Pondicherry. Aftershock activity is still continuing and 131 aftershocks have been reported so far (120 between  >5.0-6.0< and 11 are > 6.0 on Richter scale). The death toll is at 10,714.  The total number of missing persons is at 5669 of which 5583 are from A&N Islands , who are feared to be dead.  The details of deaths, missing and relief camps are given in the Annexure.  

2.         The first phase of relief and rescue operations is over in affected States/UTs except A&N Islands where the dead bodies are being retrieved and cremated. The focus is mainly on providing temporary houses for those who have lost houses, provide wage employment, restore infrastructure and rehabilitate the affected people so that they can begin their normal lives. Now the provision shops and schools have started opening in Port Blair. 14,715 tents have been dispatched to the affected States/UTs of which 12,647 tents have been dispatched to A&N Islands . In addition,  CGI sheets are being dispatched/delivered to the affected States/UTs for construction of temporary shelters. 46,375 GI sheets have already been dispatched till 13.1.2005. A order has been placed with Steel Authority of India Limited for supply of 2,94,000 CGI sheets which will be shipped to A& N Islands for construction of temporary shelters.   

3.         The fishermen of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu braving their grief have started fishing activity. The State Governments are making efforts for early resumption of normal life. Most of the schools in the affected areas have been reopened in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Pondicherry . Schools have also been opened in Port Blair. Relief camps have been closed in Andhra Pradesh and relief camps in Pondicherry , Kerala, Tamil Nadu and A&N Islands are providing cooked food. There is no report of any scarcity of food, water and medicines etc. Medical teams have been deployed in relief camps and hygiene is being maintained. There is no report of outbreak of any epidemic.  

4.         A total of 7268.01 MT relief materials have been dispatched/delivered to affected States/UTs of which 5208.67 MT (946.87 MT by Air, 3105.70 MT by ship and 1156.09 by Rail) has been dispatched/delivered to A&N Islands comprising of 1333.78 MT food items, 1161.64 MT drinking water, 164.55 MT medicines/disinfectant, 12,647 tents, 745 Gen. Sets, 82 Pump sets, 3 Desalination Plants and 5 vehicles.  

5.         The efforts of the Ministries/Departments of Government of India in brief may kindly be seen at http://www.ndmindia.nic.in/tsunami2004/ministry.htm 

 

(S.K. Swami)
Director (NDM.I)
Tel: 23092698/Fax 23093750
Mobile : 9811061089
Email: tsunami@nic.in