World Vision intensifies relief efforts in southern India

New Delhi – World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization working to promote the wellbeing of all people, especially children by tackling the causes of poverty, has taken a leading role in helping rebuild the lives of people after the tsunami struck the southern coastlines of India on December 26.

Till date, over 2,000 people living in camps in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have benefited from World Vision relief distributions.

While Government organisations are providing food an shelter for these people, World Vision has distributed items such as notebooks, pencils, pens, candles, matches, towels, mosquito nets, lanterns, school bags, flasks, blankets, sanitary packs, soap, mosquito coils, slippers, bedsheets and tarpaulins to help people cope with the changing conditions.

World Vision also distributed clothes to children in the camps, part of a shipment of items from Chennai.

Meanwhile, 600 families in Nagapattinam are now living in temporary shelters thanks to World Vision India.

The families have been sleeping in school buildings, neighbours' homes or village temples since the tsunami washed away their homes a month ago. Although temporary, these new homes represent hope for the future.

World Vision India's National Director Dr. Jayakumar Christian handed over the shelters to the family, saying World Vision was happy to be partnering with the government in the relief efforts.

"This is just the beginning of World Vision's operations," he promised.

The government has given World Vision clearance to build 2,000 temporary shelters in Nagapattinam. Another 100 shelters will be erected in Kalpakkam, while 800 will be put up in Chennai.