ASIA/INDIA - Post-tsunami aid in the village of Muttom: all damaged buildings repaired, two 2000 litre wells built and two 48,000 litre water-tanks installed, basic food kits and sets of fishing equipment distributed to 1,400 families

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Rome(Agenzia Fides) - One of many fishing communities affected by the gigantic tsunami which struck southern Asia on 26 December 2004, was the village of Muttom on the Tamil Nadu coast of India, where 100 people, mainly children, died, 465 families lost everything and 363 fishermen lost nets, boats and boat engines etc.
One of the first humanitarian associations to help the 10,000 people of Muttom back on their feet was NGO INTERVITA which works to improve living conditions in third world countries. The homeless villagers were living in extremely precarious conditions in a small government camp.
With the collaboration of the local people and the local authorities all the damaged buildings including 3 schools were repaired and 233 new homes were built. Two 2000 litre wells were dug and two 48,000 litre water tanks were installed. In the first seven months basic food supplies were distributed to 1,400 families and fishing equipment was provided for 882 fishermen. Moreover 1,633 children were able to go back to school. Local children suffering from trauma were given psychological assistance at a special Centre opened in October 2005 with rooms for playing, drawing and other similar activities. INTERVITA began its operations to help tsunami stricken families in Muttom in January 2005. Its goals were to help rebuilding guaranteeing 1,467 families (7,335 people) a home and access to clean water, healthcare and schooling, and normal living conditions and lay the foundations for future development. (AP) (31/1/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:30; Parole: 383)


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