Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - Caritas India continues major commitment to assist tsunami victims in Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh, Kerala. Caritas is working closely with local state organisations in Channai, Pondicherry, Kottar and other places mainly to supply clean water, vital for survival the Indian Bishops’ Conference told Fides. Caritas has already supplied temporary living units to more than 5.000 families in Nagapattinam and will do the same for another 10,000 in the same area.
Caritas is already working in Kerala and in Andamane and a Caritas team went to visit team Andra Pradesh where volunteers of Vijayawada diocese have been providing shelter and food for the homeless. Bishop Prakash Mallavarapu visited the affected areas and gave instructions for all diocesan structures, schools, churches, social centres, to shelter the needy. Father Gorge, parish priest at Manginapudi, told Fides that Catholic volunteers, the first to reach some of the most remote districts with aid, were welcomed by the villagers with relief and gratitude. “Many of those injured in the disaster died in the days following for lack of medical care. But now we must look to the future and help those who did survive with material and psychological support. December 26 was a sad day for fishing villages along the coast in 26 in Andra Pradesh, but the could had a silver lining, the generosity and dedication of rescue and relief workers which continues non stop”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/01/2005 Righe: 24 Parole: 212)
