EHA

July 31, 2005

Relief Camps in South Andaman: The following services were rendered to the people in the 13 relief camps and intermediate shelters of South Andaman’s:

Conducted clinics regularly once a week in all camps and shelters.

Distribution of Hygiene kits: 300 kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were distributed. In addition, mosquito coils, chlorine tablets, ORS packets and dressing sponges were also distributed in Camps at Wandoor Jetty, camp near jetty, Wandoor 123, Wandoor 8, Forest camp, scattered 3 camps and Badmash Pahad and Shelters at Namunaghar and Chouldari

Health Education was given in all the camps and shelters through posters, songs and skits.

Health Libraries started - 4 in wandoor camps and 2 in Chouldari intermediate shelter. Volunteers were selected from the camps to be in charge of the library materials supplied in a metal box with lock.

Video show: A movie on HIV/AIDS was shown in Wandoor camps and intermediate shelters in Chouldhari and Namunaghar for the people.

Health Mela: Health programme was arranged for the camp people which included cultural programmes and games related to health topics and moral values.

Drama team: A drama team was formed in the Wandoor jetty camp area that performed a drama on Tuberculosis in other camps and shelters during the health mela.

Volunteers: 11 volunteers were selected from the camps and shelters that are also in charge of the Health Libraries.

Training
Training of Instructors of ANMRC (Andaman & Nicobar Multiple Rehabilitation Centre): The training was organized by the Pilar Health Centre, and classes on Management of acute Respiratory infections, common diseases and nutrition taken by Dr. Johnson.

Training of children in the Girls’ and boys’ Hostels run by the Pilar Fathers: A one- day training on cleanliness was conducted for the children by Dr. Johnson, , good habits.

Training of volunteers from camps and shelters: Training on management of common illnesses based on the book “Where there is no doctor”, was given to the selected 11 volunteers in charges of Health Libraries of the Wandoor, Chouldhri, Namunaghar and Tirupati areas of South Andamans, by Dr. Johnson & Mrs. Helen Wallace. Three sessions were conducted, one each week for the volunteers.

Distribution of hygiene kits in camps at Port Blair: 100 sets of hygiene kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil and 2 Nutritional supplement kits were supplied to the inmates of Wandoor camps.

Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair – The support to the Pilar Health Centre at Port Blair continued.

Relief Camps in South Andaman: Girls and Boys Hostels: 286 girls and 210 boys from Car Nicobar, Katchal and Theresa Islands, the islands worst affected by tsunami, reside in the 2 hostels. They are currently preparing for their 10th and 12th Board Examinations under the tutorship of Mrs. Leela, a dedicated Government School Principal. The EHA teams Activities were:

Conducted Regular clinics in the Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels, till June 6. During this period 31 boys and 66 girls were examined and treated free of cost.

Supplementary Nutrition kits containing dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies and Hygiene items consisting of soaps, detergents, toothpaste and coconut oil were supplied to all the students.

A Farewell function was arranged by the EHA team in both the hostels, as the students return to their islands after the board examination. We actively participated in the function with them, with messages from Dr. Jeevan and Dr. Johnson, encouraging them to look forward to their future with hope. The usual Birthday celebration was also held and gifts consisting of a photo card and bookmark distributed to all students.

Miss Francina, a Psychologist from Indian Council for Child welfare, was a constant help in organizing the interactive games during Birthday parties and the farewell function.

Training
Training of Anganwadi workers: We were invited to train the Anganwadi workers during the 1 month Capacity Building of Anganwadi workers, jointly organized by the department of Social Welfare, and Indian Council For Child Welfare. Teaching was done by Dr. Johnson for two batches, 30 in each batch of Anganwadi workers in South Andaman, on Management of acute Respiratory infections, common diseases and nutrition.

Training of children: A one- day training on cleanliness, good habits was conducted by Mrs Helen Wallace for the children in Wimberliganj.

Training of volunteers in Wandoor: Training was given on management of common illnesses based on the book “Where there is no doctor, to the selected 4 volunteer in charges of Health Libraries of the Wandoor area of South Andamans, by Mrs Helen Wallace,”

Workshop on community Based Disaster Preparedness:
A 4 days workshop on Disaster Management, Mitigation and Preparedness was jointly conducted by EHA and EFFICOR at Deodars Retreat Centre, Mussoorie from June 14 - 18. Dr Johnson, Sr. Alphi from Rangath dispensary, Sr. Anita from Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair, participated in the above workshop. Dr Jeevan Kuruvilla was one of the main resource persons, and took sessions on Health services in disaster, Health team in disaster and Managing injuries during disaster.

Pilar Health Centre, Rangath: Once in fortnightly visits by EHA doctors to the Pilar Health Centre, Rangat were done on June 17 and 24 by Dr. Johnson. 70 patients were examined and treated.

Distribution of hygiene kits to camps in Port Blair: 136 sets of hygiene kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil and 2 Nutritional supplement kits were supplied to the inmates of Tirupati camp. In addition, mosquito coils, chlorine tablets were also distributed.

Assessment in Hutbay, Little Andaman: The settlement in Hutbay has been one of the worst hit following the disaster. An assessment done on June 4 by our team indicated a deficiency in the nutritional quality of the food. A repeat distribution has been requested.

Relief Camps in South Andaman: The following services were rendered to the people in the 13 relief camps and intermediate shelters of South Andamans:

Regular weekly clinics in all camps and shelters

Clinic in Tirupati camp started from June 27, a community where previously the access was denied.

Distribution of Hygiene kits: 300 kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were distributed. In addition, mosquito coils, chlorine tablets, ORS packets and dressing sponges were also distributed in camps-Wandoor Jetty, camp near jetty, Wandoor 123, Wandoor 8, Forest camp, scattered 3 camps and Badmash pahad and shelters-Namunaghar and Chouldari

Supplementary Nutrition kits: 300 Supplemental nutrition packs comprising of dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies were distributed in the above mentioned camps and shelters.

ORS (chooski for children) distributed

Health Education was done in all the camps and shelters through posters, songs and skits.

Health Libraries started, 4 in wandoor camps and 2 in Chouldari intermediate shelter. Volunteers were selected from there to be in charge of the library materials supplied in a metal box with lock.

Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair – The support to the Pilar Health Centre at Port Blair is being continued.

EHA continued to provided relief intervention in the following areas to the tsunami affected communities of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in May:

Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels: 280 girls and 215 boys reside in the hostels. The weekly birthday parties in both the hostel continued to be held. In addition to Dr Siju and Dr Johnson, Arpana Philip and Sr. Helen Wallace helped in the smooth running of the programmes here. Arpana, a volunteer from Delhi helped the students in their studies by taking special classes for the students. The principal of the school, Mrs Leela Varghese was very much appreciative of her efforts.

Regular clinics on alternate days were conducted in both the hostels. 336 hostellers were examined and treated free of cost.

Hygiene items in the form of soaps, detergents, toothpaste and coconut oil were supplied to the students.

Andaman and Nicobar Disability Rehabilitation Centre: A special medical camp was held for the inmates of the centre on May 9. 25 children were examined.

Fortnightly visits by EHA doctors to the Pilar Health Centre, Rangat were done on May 13 and 27 . 124 patients were examined and treated.

Relief Camps in South Andaman: In the 13 relief camps of South Andamans week clinics were held. 426 people were examined and treated.

Supply of hygiene kits to all the affected continues. 300 kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were distributed. In addition, mosquito coils were also distributed.

Supplemental nutrition packs comprising of dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies were distributed to each of the affected families.

Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair – The support to the Pilar Health Centre at Port Blair has been going on well. In addition to doctors, Sr Helen Wallace from BCH, Fatehpur has been helping out with the work in the hospital. A Total of 1793 OP patients and 212 IN patients were seen in May. 378 patients were examined in the camps and settlements and 313 in the hostels.

Dr Varghese Philip, Executive Director of EHA, visited the project from May 2 to 4, assessed the work and discussed on the future of the project. Mrs. Wendy Toulmin of Archbishop’s Foundation, Australia visited the project from May 10 to 14. She visited the various relief camps in South Andamans, the hostels and the Pilar Health Centre.

EHA's involvement in the tsunami affected communities of Andaman and Nicobar Islands continued in April.

Providing Support to the Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels at Port Blair: 280 girls and 215 boys reside in the hostels. The programme started by Ms Jubin Varghese for psychological support to the students in the Girls’ Hostel in the form of birthday parties every weekend was started in the Boy’s Hostel too on the request of the school authorities. The students looked forward to this programme every weekend. Students who used to be very homesick and were much traumatized by the disaster have slowly started to come forward in participating in the cultural programmes organized during the birthday parties. After Ms Jubin left, these parties were ably conducted by Siju. Dr Johnson who joined the projecting from Nav Jivan Hospital, Satbarwa has been a great help in conduct these programmes. Two local volunteers have also chipped in with their help. Ms Francina is a psychologist working in the local government and Ms Deepti, a student awaiting her tenth standard results.

Regular clinics on alternate days were conducted in both the hostels. Hygiene items in the form of soaps, detergents, toothpaste and coconut oil were supplied to the students.

Andaman and Nicobar Disability Rehabilitation Centre: This is an NGO run initiative, one of its only kind in the whole of the islands involved in the rehabilitation of the physically and mentally challenged. Started by a husband-wife team, it has done yeoman service to this special group. They requested Ms Jubin to take a special session for the volunteers and staff of the centre on psychological support to children. Two days of classes were conducted by Ms Jubin for the volunteers and staff of the centre on April 4 & 5. The sessions were well appreciated.

A 2-day special sessions on Disaster Management, Mitigation and Preparedness was jointly conducted by EHA and the Tagore Government College of Education on April 5, 6 & 7. Dr Siju, Dr Tony, Ms Jubin, Dr Jeevan were the main resource persons. Father Albinus who was in charge of one of the major camps in Port Blair was guest speaker. In addition to the sessions, a field visit was also organized to South Andamans where EHA is actively working along with the Pilar Health Centre. The sessions and the visits were well appreciated.

As part of strengthening of the existing medical mission network in the islands, a medical education programme was organized at the Pilar Health Centre, Rangat – approximately 160 kms north of Port Blair. A total of 10 sisters from surrounding Catholic dispensaries (non-doctor manned) participated in the 3 day programme conducted on April 12, 13 and 14. Topics ranging from Biblical approach to health and sickness, disease presentations, community approach to health, disaster management, mitigation and preparedness were taken. All the sessions were well appreciated and there was a demand that similar programmes be held on a regular basis. Dr Daniel Muthukumar, Dr Siju and Dr Jeevan were the major resource persons. The course material used was prepared by Dr Santosh Mathew along with the Community Health, EHA.

Fortnightly visits by EHA doctors to the Pilar Health Centre, Rangat were done on April 15 and 29. 125 patients were examined and treated. Dr Tony and Dr Jeevan helped in this.

Distribution of hygiene kits to camps in Port Blair continued: 150 sets of hygiene kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were supplied to the inmates of South Point Camp. In addition, mosquito coils were also distributed.

Relief Camps in South Andaman: In the 13 relief camps of South Andamans, Weekly clinics were held in all the camps.

Supply of hygiene kits to all the affected: 300 kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were distributed. In addition, mosquito coils were also distributed.

Supplemental nutrition: Supplemental nutrition packs comprising of dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies were distributed in each of the affected families.

Supplemental nutrition distribution in Hutbay, Little Andaman: The settlement in Hutbay has been one of the worst hit following the disaster. An assessment done by EHA has pointed out a deficiency in the nutritional quality of the food. EHA supplied a total of 2500 supplemental nutrition packs comprising of dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies. The logistics of transport and distribution were carried out with the help of the Pilar Fathers. A repeat distribution has been requested.

Support to Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair: The support to the Pilar Health Centre at Port Blair has been going on well. In addition to doctors, Ms Jubin Varghese, consultant psychologist provide her services. Dr Tony from BCH, Fatehpur and Dr Johnson from NJH, Satbarwa were deputed for the work here in addition to Dr Jeevan. 945 Out - patients and 197 In- patients were seen in the centre in April.

April 11, 2005 - 100 Days Post Tsunami

EHA's involvement in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, post tsunami, has been manifold. Regular clinics and hygiene surveillance were conducted in various camps in Port Blair and South Andamans. 800 health kits were distributed in the camps. Nutrition supplements in accordance with the SPHERE standards were provided to the families. Many tribals and people from various camps visited the Pilar Health Centre and received free treatment. The Outpatient and inpatient departments of Pilar Health Centre saw unprecedented increase in patient numbers. Psychological support was given to the girls of the tribal hostel. The high spot of the month was the community birthday party organised for the girls in the hostel. The party was a great hit with the stressed out students. Finally, EHA conducted a three - day training program on 'Disaster Management, Mitigation and Preparedness' for 100 graduating teachers in association with the Tagore Government College of Education, in Port Blair.

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS (Asha Sagar Project)

SUMMARY OF FEBRUARY & MARCH WORK
Clinics: Regular Clinics & Hygiene surveillance were conducted in the following camps/settlements:
Five Camps in GREF barracks, Port Blair having more than 5000 inmates
Five Camps in South Andamans, and one each in Obraganj, Lalpahad, Badmashpahad, Loknatpahad, Dundees point, Namunanagar. This takes the total to 800 families (About 3200 people).
One Nicobari tribal boys hostel & one girls hostel in Port Blair having 500 students
Health Kits: More than 800 health kits distributed in the camps where DCC is providing food. These health kits consist of soaps, brush, tooth paste, washing soaps and mosquito repellant coils which were added to prevent the spread of malaria. Sanitary napkins where given to all women in these families for a period.
Nutrition Supplement: The contents were finalized after consultation with the communities and according to SPHERE standards.. ½ Kg soyabean nuggets, ½ kg chana dal, ½ Kg black dhal,1/2 Kg Chikki would give adequate protein supplementation for 2 months for one family.
Pilar Health Centre is running still “house full”. Many tribal and other camps inmates come to Pillar Health Center for treatment and treatment is given free of charge to the Tsunami victims (others are charged nominal rates). Three EHA doctors and one lady doctor from the Missionaries of St Anne congregation operate this hospital. The Outpatient and inpatient departments have been seeing unprecedented increase in patient numbers. Malaria and lower respiratory tract infections still continue. Services where upgraded by the Pillar Health centre.
Patient Statistics:1725
Patients seen in camps/settlements in Feb& Mar
2135 Patients seen in OPD of Pillar health centre in Feb & Mar
338 Patients admitted in Pillar health center in Feb & Mar
151 Under five Patients in Pillar OPD in Feb & Mar
44 Under five Patients Pillar IP in Feb+ Mar
Total number of patients treated by EHA/ Pillar docs in Feb & Mar: 4451
DCC has started building 530 intermediate shelters in Hut Bay & South Andamans.

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Training: 100 graduating BEd students of the Government Tagore teachers training college were trained in Disaster Management, Mitigation & Preparedness by EHA team. It was held in April 1st week.
Distribution of Kerosene stoves: The settlements in the Lalpahad and Badmashpahad areas (literally Red Hill & Crooks Hill) are isolated and criminal settlements where the relief materials had hardly reached. Here the community kitchen is being run by the Government. But it starts only at 7.30 Am. The children had to leave for school by 6.45AM and most went hungry. If we provided the material the women agreed to prepare food. Since this was a clearly defined geographic area and a specific need, the team decided to intervene and distributed 19 kerosene stoves, one each to every family with school going children. Now the children go to school smilingly.
Psychosocial Support: The arrival of Ms Jubin Verghese added a new dimension to the work. She interviewed 113 girls in the tribal hostel and 32 had symptoms related to Post traumatic stress disorders. To lift their spirits, Jubin arranged for a community birthday party to celebrate the birthdays of 18 girls whose birthday’s fell between March 1 and 19. Each girl cut a cake and received small gifts. Jubin & Siju were inundated with phone calls which was an indication of their genuine appreciation. We intend to continue the birthday celebrations of these students.

TAMIL NADU
EHA’s work in Tamil Nadu consisted of the distribution of 3500 health kits each worth Rs 250 to the families identified by EFICOR in their project area. It had contents of daily use and vitamin/Iron supplements. Another 5000 similar kits were planned for March but not yet distributed.

SRI LANKA
Dr. Mallika and Sis. Tamil Selvi are back from a very exciting and often “frightening’ trip to Tamil Tiger Territory in Sri Lanka. They worked with a team from North West Medical team and local partner LEADS. It was our response to a specific request from Sri Lanka to send Tamil speaking staff to work in the rebel-controlled areas.

Present EHA staff in the Islands
Mr Sunny Jacob – Project Director
Dr. Jeevan Kuruvilla – Field Coordinator
Dr MuthuKumar - Medical Officer
Dr Tony Biswas - Medical Officer
Dr Siju Seena – Epidemiologist

March 7, 2005

Distribution of Hygiene Kits & Stoves, Conducts medical checkups
EHA along with the Pilar Health Centre, has been providing comprehensive health care to the Tsunami affected in the Wandoor, Chowldari and Mithakhadi areas of South Andamans. At present, all the affected population stationed in about 13 camps in the area are being supplied with free medical facilities. Hygiene needs of the people are being met by providing toothbrushes, bathing and washing soaps, sanitary napkins, oil etc. Additional nutritional needs are also being met by Pilar Health Centre. A detailed survey on the need for supplementary nutrition has also been carried out. A supplement dietary programme is being worked out. Food supplements in the form of peanuts, grams and soyabean chunks are being planned to be given over the next few weeks.

Two very small camps in Chowldari area, known as Lal Pahad and Badmash Pahad, were not much helped by organizations and the Government during the relief programs. One of the major need of the people (about 20 families) here was found to be stoves . Most of the children in these camps were going to school hungry. This was because the community kitchens running in the camps provided breakfast only by 9 AM wheras the school started early in the morning at 7 AM. The mothers felt that that if they had a stove, they could prepare some food for their children before they left for school. So though the number of beneficiaries were small, the relief team decided to buy these stoves and distribute to each family. The people are now happy with the stoves they have received.

March 1 , 2005

EHA Partners with Tribal Health Initiative to provide relief to fishermen in Kalpakkam:
Kalpakkam, situated 90 kms south of Chennai, faced a lot of destruction in the aftermath of the tsunami. Kalpakkam, generally known for its Nuclear Power Plant, lies near the shoreline and though the number of deaths due to tsunami were comparatively less, most people lost all their possessions. The major populace, the fishermen, whose livelihood solely depends on the sea, were totally devastated by the tsunami. They lost their homes, their boats and nets, and are now residing in temporary shelters put up by the Government.

Immediately after the tsunami stuck, a team of doctors and nurses from Tribal Health Initiative rushed to Kalpakkam to provide medical relief to the victims. Tribal Health Initiative (THI) is a Registered Charitable Trust and works amongst the forest tribals of Harur Taluk of Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu since 1993. It now has a 24-bedded hospital fully equipped with a labour room, neonatal ward, emergency ward and an operation theatre.

Since the disaster, THI has been working in six villages of Kalpakkam, meeting the medical needs of the affected people. Their future plans include purchase of nets for the fishermen, construction of public toilets for the affected community and to provide counseling to the traumatized people. The fishermen need the nets to go back to fishing and earn their livelihood with dignity and self respect. Construction of public toilets (one for 3 to 5 families) will be a great help for the displaced people, especially the women, who are now living in temporary shelters. EHA will be monitoring the implementation of these plans.

February 24, 2005

In Tamil Nadu, seven teams provided acute relief & rescue operations to the tsunami affected people in the coastal regions. Two teams conducted independent health need assessment and surveillance work in all the coastal camps. Over 3500 health & hygiene kits were distributed in the various camps. Another batch of 5000 kits will be distributed in the next phase.

In Andaman & Nicobar Islands, extensive health needs assessment were conducted in eight Islands, five camps in Port Blair and five camps in South Andaman, Rangat & Shoul Bay. Regular clinical services is being provided in seven camps & two tribal hostels. Disease surveillance was done in ten camps covering more than 5000 population. Medical and clinical services is being provided in the Pillar Health Center. EHA doctors also provide consultation in Government hospitals as and when needed.

February 14 , 2005

On February 13, 2005 EHA and Pilar Health Centre (PHC), signed a MOU and entered into an agreement for working together in Port Blair.

The Pilar Health Centre is the only medical mission hospital with sub-centers in far-flung areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. EHA will support PHC by providing specialist doctors, Continuing Medical Education to staff and technical support in upgrading the hospital and sub-centers. The association will be for a period of six - months after which the agreement will be re-assessed. This unique endeavor has been christened as the ASHA SAGAR Project.

Bishop Alex Dias Sfx, Sister Prema, Sister Superior Ashaniketan and Sister Dr. Mary Meena signed the MOU on behalf of PHC and Dr Juni Chungath, Dr Jeevan Kuruvilla and Mr. Sunny Jacob signed on behalf of EHA. Mr. Sunny Jacob was appointed as the Project Manager, Dr Jeevan Kuruvilla the Field Coordinator; and Dr Raghunath and Dr Daniel Muthukumar the medical officers of the project.

February 12, 2005

EHA provides Medical relief in Nirmala School Camp, Port Blair
In the Nirmala School Camp, the medical needs of the inmates are being met by the Pilar Health Centre in association with EHA. Dr Raghunath, a consultant pediatrician from CFCHC, Ambilikkai has volunteered to be part of the EHA team which is doing medical relief work. The Nirmala School has about 860 registered internally displaced Tsunami victims from the Nicobar islands. A total of about 2800 patients have been seen in this school by the combined team of EHA and Pilar Health Centre.

Earlier Dr Raghunath led a one man assessment team of the DCC to Campbell Bay. The salient observations of his visit are–
There is an immediate need for providing some form of temporary shelter at the earliest.
There is a high possibility of infectious diseases outbreak because of the poor sanitary conditions of the area.
As of now, there is a good presence of medical teams in the area.

In an NGO co-ordination meeting with the DHS, EHA has offered to help in Campbell Bay in the following areas. However, we are awaiting word from the local administration
Clinical Services
Hygiene promotion
Food supplementation
Immunization

February 11, 2005

Mobile Clinic provides Clinical Services in South Andaman
The mobile clinic providing clinical services was started by EHA on February 5, in South Andaman, with the Pilar Health Centre providing paramedical support. At present, regular visits are made to the camps in Vandoor, Chouldari and Mithakhadi areas of South Andaman daily. Dr Jeevan visited Camps Nos. two and three of New Wandoor. In the following week, Dr Raghunath visited Chouldari and Mithakhadi areas. Till February 11 about 200 patients received clinical services through the mobile clinic. A need assessment was conducted in these areas and the following needs were revealed:
Provision of Clinical services in the far flung areas.
Need for nutrition supplementation (a high proportion of the population especially women and children were found to suffer from anemia and vitamin deficiency)
Hygiene promotion – there was a shortage of materials like toothpaste, soaps, washing detergents etc
Need for tetanus toxoid injections – as there was a high proportion of injuries among the affected communities, who have a unique dual profession of farming during the day time and fishing during the evening and night time.

The future programs that are being planned in the areas of operation are –
Installation of a mobile refrigerator in the vehicle used for the mobile clinic, so that cold chain is maintained in immunization.
Provision of hygiene promotion kits to all the affected families in South Andaman.
Food supplementation in the form of high protein/high energy locally available diet like soyabean chunks, green leafy vegetables.

February 4, 2005

EHA to Supplement Primary Health Care in South Andaman:
EHA has been given the responsibility of supplementing primary health coverage in South Andaman areas of Chouldari, Mitha Kadi and Wandoor villages. This was given in writing by the Director of Health Services, Dr Mrs Namita Ali.

EHA's relief and rehabilitation team is distributing health kits to 8000 tsunami affected families in Tamil Nadu. The families have been identified by EFICOR in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore & Theramganbadi. The health kit forms part of the larger kit distributed by EFICOR, which contains daily utility things like buckets, mugs, soaps etc.

Each health kit contains a Cod Capsule (a food supplement), Haematinic capsules which promote general health, readymade ORS and Paracetemol tablets for general aches & pains. The distribution started from February 3, 2005 and will give the families a supply for 2 month.

EHA has been asked by the Government of A&N to provide medical care to 15,000 affected people in South Andamans and the tsunami affected children staying in two hostels.

February 1, 2005

Woman Medical Team leaves for Colombo, Sri Lanka:
On February 1 EHA sent a women medical team to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The team includes Dr. Mallika Chidambaram a consultant Gynecologist and Sis. Tamil Selvee an Obstetrics Nurse. They will be providing medical care to the tsunami affected people in Sri Lanka.

January 31, 2005

Distribution of Health Kits to Tsunami affected families:
EHA's relief and rehabilitation team will start distributing health kits to 8000 tsunami affected families in Tamil Nadu. The families have been identified by EFICOR in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore & Theramganbadi. The health kit will form a part of the larger kit which contains daily utility things like buckets, mugs, soaps etc.

Each health kit will contain a Cod Capsule (a food supplement), Haematinic capsules which promote general health, readymade ORS and Paracetemol tablets for general aches & pains. The distribution will start from February 3, 2005 and will give the families a supply for months.

January 28, 2005

Relief Camps conduct painting competitions for Children:
Many of the relief camps in Port Blair conducted painting competitions for children. There was all round excitement as children gave vent to their talents. Many of these competitions had tsunami as the topic. Seen here are some of the tsunami children doing their paintings.

An all religious prayer is also conducted in the evenings, in the camps. Children sit quietly during the common prayer. The prayers are a big healer as the children recognize that there is a God who is in control of their lives.

January 27, 2005

Farmers worry about their future:
The farmers of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are a confused lot, as they wonder on what can be done to their fields. Their fields which at one time used to yield bumper harvests of rice, are now turned black due to the sea water. Most of these fields cannot be used any longer, as high tides submerge them during the night.

Locals reported that the effects of the tsunami were less in places where there was mangrove forests. The mangrove trees had been advocated by environmental scientists to lessen coastal erosion and damage.

Tourism is going to be hard hit as almost all the beaches in Andaman and Nicobar group of islands have been washed out. For a distance of about 100 feet from this mound of trees, there used to be a beautiful beach. It is all gone now. Corals and dead sea weed litter the coast. The people living here could not identify this with the old Wandoor beach.

January 18, 2005

Relief team surveys Hut Bay - meets other NGOs:
A DCC team left Port Blair for Hut Bay on the 15th morning by MV Kutchal. The team members were Mr. Arun from EFICOR, Christopher from Tearfund UK, Billy Graham- Project Manager, DCC and Dr. Jeevan Kuruvilla from EHA. They reached Hut BAY at 1:30 in the afternoon. They met the Tahsildar - Mr Sunil and the Relief Commissioner in-charge of Hut Bay, Mr Mazumdar, at the jetty. The team was allowed to stay in the Government guest house. After they reached the guest house, they set out to comb the region for possible involvement in relief. However, the non-availability of any transport made it very difficult.

They reached the relief camps at Keechadnala Tikri and Panch Tikri, where the inhabitants of the Kichadnala area of Hut Bay, had started putting up makeshift shelters, with materials salvaged out of the rubble. Most of the inhabitants were unhappy with the paltry amount of relief that was being distributed to them. Many organizations had come and distributed materials like clothes, utensils, etc in kind. However, less food materials was being provided and there was also not much of a choice. Just rice and dal were given. At the Panch Tikri camp, the team met the CINI-GOAL people, who were mainly involved in ensuring food security. CINI-GOAL expressed their helplessness and difficulty in transferring food materials from the jetty to the land. About 40 tonnes of food material was held up in the jetty because of non-availability of any alternate methods of transportation.

As the team moved out from the camps and walked down to the plain adjoining the sea, the devastation was very much evident. There was hardly any building left intact. No cleaning up operations was visible. The stink was all around. The paltry number of policemen there had left combing the destructions for more bodies. Reports say that many more people are in the forests, terrified of the sea. People are slowly starting to come back. The Government has officially identified six camps in Hut Bay. The Relief commissioner and the Tehsildar spent some time with the team. The Health and sanitation situation was of major concern to them. Open defecation was being practiced widely. The fly and the mosquito population had also increased greatly in the last couple of days, adding to the problem.

Quite a number of NGOs are working in Hut Bay. CINI-GOAL, VHAI, RK Mission, Ananda Margis and Oxfam are some of the NGOs whom the team met. World Vision India and Action Aid had visited Hut Bay and had promised to return with help. However, there was a camp at the 19th km, which was not getting much of a help, as the roads going there have been destroyed by the tsunami. The Relief Commissioner requested the team to visit that camp and do an assessment.

The next day, the team set out to meet the VHAI people. As no transport was available, they had to walk all the way to meet them. They met people in a camp which was adjacent to the guest house. They also met a lot of people from the mainland who had settled in this island for the last 20-30 years. Most of them were very terrified. They wanted to return back to their hometowns in the mainland. The team met the VHAI people who had been there since January 5. VHAI is mainly involved in the health work. The team returned to Port Blair late in the night, after a very tiring day. They are planning to do some more assessment before they chalk out their plans.

January 17, 2005

UNICEF provides free immunization in camps:
The Government has been very prompt in fumigating the areas around the camp. This has, in part, resulted in controlling the spread of any vector borne diseases

UNICEF along with the health department has been doing a commendable job, by ensuring measles immunization to all children belong the age of 5. Last Thursday they visited all camps and ensured that the UIP was ensured to all children in the camps. In the picture, a woman waits with her new born baby - born just 20 day after the tsunami, for immunization. UNICEF has also been providing free immunization in all the other camps at Port Blair.

Hut Bay

At Hut Bay, the jetty has has been broken off in the middle. This creates difficulty to the relief operations, as no facilities are available to bring the supplies that are offloaded in the jetty, to the land. At present, smaller boats are being used to ferry the relief materials from the ships to the island. However, this is cumbersome. It would be good if steps are taken to repair the jetty, so that relief materials reach Hutbay. This has to be taken on a war-footing.

Brackish water has collected in low lying areas of the market area of Hut Bay. This can be potential areas for fly- breeding and other vectors of diseases.

January 16, 2005

DCC identifies affected families in South Andamans:
The DCC (a partnership between EHA, EFICOR & DC) has identified about 75 families in the South Andamans who have been affected by the Tsunami. They now explore ways to help them - especially on a long term basis where they can reclaim the land lost to the sea.

Sunaina stands with her uncle in front of the vast areas of inundated paddy fields in Dollygunj - Pahadganj area of the South Andamans, south of Port Blair. After the tsunami stuck these areas in South Andamans, the land has sunk to such an extent, that now the sea enters the low lying areas where paddy was once cultivated.

During the tsunami, most of the paddy was ripe for harvest - now all has been lost. Sunaina's father, Umesh Charan is employed with the Shipping Corporation of India. The SCI employs him for only about 8-10 months a year. The rest of the time, he depends on the yields from the 20 bighas of paddy fields he owns. The whole field has now been eaten up by the sea.

A view of the paddy fields that has been inundated by sea water. Now it occurs regularly as high tide inundates this land daily. As a result, the salinity in this area has risen from a normal of 12 millipores to around 36 millipores. This ensures that no more normal cultivation can be done in these areas.

January 14, 2005

EHA adopts four camps in Port Blair:
The Government of India has given EHA, official permission, to undertake all restoration activities in HUT BAY Island, which is one of the worst affected islands in the Andamans & Nicobar islands archipelago. It is 200 nautical miles from the capital Port Blair & closer to the epicenter of the quake.

EHA along with the other members of DCC (EFICOR, DC) and Islanders Sangathan Manch has been assigned the running of four camps in Port Blair. Camps 1 & 2 are at Tagore B.ED College, Middle Point; Camp 3 at Nirmala School and Camp 4 at Bhatu Basti School.

Free Medical attention, medicine supplies, basic daily needs and consultancy is being provided on daily basis by the team. Due to the reports of Malaria cases, 200 mosquito nets has been handed out in the first phase.

January 11, 2005

Fisherman apprehensive of the future:
The earthquake followed by the tsunami has brought long term catastrophes on the people living in the island. This picture is that of Bamboo Flat, to the north of Port Blair - half hour by boat. There has not been much casualties but the livelihoods of all the people with businesses on the waterfront has been lost. The land has sunk by about one meter resulting in the coastal parts getting submerged, more so during high tide. In this picture, the sea has destroyed the road and now during high tide it inundates the adjacent land making the road unusable. Now another road has to be constructed bypassing the inundated areas.

The sea wall seen towards the left side of this picture is of no use now as the sea overflows it rising to height of about one meter above it. This place is called the Fisherman's Colony near Junglihat within Port Blair. Since no lives were lost here, relief has been slow to reach them. There are about 60 families in total in this area. They are apprehensive on how the future will be - since inhabitation in their present localities is out of question. New areas for the living has to be found out. They are not sure who is going to help them.

For many of the natives of Hutbay in Andamans, the disaster has been too traumatic. They badly feel that they should move away from there. Some think that they would come back once the trauma is over, but for others it is goodbye to Andaman's. These families look forward to see their near and dear ones in the mainland. The administration is happy to see people off to the mainland as it means less mouths to feed!

January 10, 2005

Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay, Katchal and Hutbay islands badly affected:
The major aspect that strikes you as you fly into Andamans, is the awesome beauty of the place. The islands look like pearls from the skies with the sea striking different hues of color because of the coral reefs. However, as you land in the airport, you can notice the unusual flurry of activity. There is a large crack running along one part of the runway - which is almost repaired. There are a lot of people in the town of Port Blair but there is no sign of any disaster. Posters greet you asking to donate generously for tsunami victims.

Tourism has been the major industry here. In fact, the hotel we are put up had been inaugurated during the week before the disaster.

Andamans is a potboiler of cultures and languages from all over India. The people here call it a mini India. I could meet people from Kerala, Jharkhand, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. The Nicobarese are the natives. There are groups of people who do not mingle with the outsiders. Most of the people who came from the mainland are doing government jobs. Laborers are all from the mainland.

Mr Gandhi is from Andhra Pradesh. He was born here and has trained himself to be a guide for snorkeling. October to May is the major tourist season here. He knows that he has lost a good deal of his livelihood. A large part of the corals in the North Bay has been washed out or destroyed in the tsunami. He is still hopeful that people will return again to see the corals. He says that Andaman corals are the next largest after the Great Barrier reef in Australia.

The people who died in the Andamans are mostly from places away from Port Blair. The islands of Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay, Katchal and Hutbay have been badly affected. People are apprehensive now of the future.

January 6, 2005

Government Relief Camps great help to the affected:
Things are getting back to normal in many of the fishing villages of Coastal South India. The people here are hard working. They know that the sea has always given them their livelihood. It takes life on and off and it is not new to them. Cyclones and similar disasters are common occurrences along the coast. However, life has to go on.

In MGR Thittu, one of the badly affected areas, the fishermen have been brave enough to go out on a boat, so that they can survey the damages in the island of MGR Thittu.

One of the worst affected places has been Nagapatinam. There were houses that have been covered with sand during the tsunami. 1000 people lost their life in this part of Nagapatinam known as Aryanad Street. But still the encouraging aspect is that people want to get on with their lives. When being asked on what they would prefer to do now, most of them say that they want to go back to their work as soon as possible.

School textbooks lie strewn in the wreckage. Children have died in large numbers. The survivors want to start school as soon as possible. The children are sad that they have lost their books and friends. They know that they cannot have their friends back, but certainly their books and uniforms.

Sanitation is one aspect that has to be taken care of fast. There are puddles of water lying around in almost all the places. They can be potential breeding places for mosquitoes etc. The Government has pressed on measures to make them safe.

The relief camps that have been opened by the Government has been a boon to the affected villages. Almost all the camps that we visited were well provided. Happy faces were seen everywhere. The kitchens were well stocked, medical facilities were available and the environs were clean. However, the people have to return back to their houses and that is when the real struggle starts. The work that has to be done is enormous in terms of relief and rehabilitation.

January 4, 2005 - Team surveys affected areas in Port Blair, Coastal South India: EHA’s relief team based at Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be starting a Community kitchen tomorrow, for the disaster affected people. Mr Alex from Discipleship Centre is the team leader. Dr. Vikram who is part of the team will be doing the health needs assessment there. He is also seeking options for working with the IEM missionaries who are locally placed. Plans are being made to work through them and support them.

Rajesh Gladstone of Jiwan Jyoti Christian Hospital is currently visiting different camps organized for tsunami affected people in Tamil Nadu. There are around 20 camps in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. He is conducting an excessive health need survey according to the International standards.

Dr Jeevan Kuruvilla is currently at Nagapatinnam. He reports that there is every chance of an epidemic breaking out, since sanitation is low and water source is common. The situation is being monitored by the Government. Most of the people are not staying in the camps. They generally come to the camps to collect the relief materials and return to their villages in the evening. Health is not their primary concern. Their main concern is about their livelihood as they have lost all their boats, nets and other belongings in the disaster.

January 3, 2005

EHA sends relief teams to tsunami affected communities in South India:
In the aftermath of the disaster which stuck the South of India on December 26, 2004 EHA along with its partner organizations is providing emergency relief in the Islands of Andaman & Nicobar, and coastal regions of Tamil Nadu.

EHA is working through the Disaster Coordination Committee, an existing partnership of three organizations- EHA, EFICOR & Discipleship Centre. EHA is sectorally specialized in giving medical relief whereas the other partners provide food, clothing, shelter etc.

EHA is joined this time by Food for the Hungry, Christian Medical College Vellore, and Evangelical Medical Fellowship of India (EMFI). They are partnering with EHA in providing medical assistance both in the acute phase and subsequently in the phase when epidemics will spread in the camps.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The situation in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is different from the rest of the affected places, as most of the bridges are damaged and the boats are not going out. Ten camps have been organized for the affected people and four of them are by local churches. EHA is trying to get access to these camps and provide relief through them.

A team consisting of Dr. Vikram of EHA & Dr Pushparaj from CMC Vellore, two EFICOR staff and two DC staff, met the Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. They were allowed to do a primary need assessment in some villages. The team is waiting for official permission from the Government to start the relief work. They report that a lot of people have still not been evacuated. The tribal people have all been evacuated and brought to the camps in Port Blair.

Tamil Nadu
Dr Jeevan Kuruvilla from Nav Jiwan Hospital & Pramod from Chhatarpur Christian Hospital surveyed parts of Chennai city and the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu. They report that the relief work provided so far is good. Plenty of food and clothes were lying on the road which signifies excess of relief materials. The poor are the most affected in these regions. They visited the fishermen families too. Their livelihood had been affected as all their boats and nets were damaged. The Government has also banned fishing for the next three months. The children were the worst affected. They were very much concerned about their education. No Medical facility has been provided to them so far. The sanitation condition is bad. There is possibility of outbreak of disease in these parts. The Government is giving cash of Rs. 2000 to each family.

Cuddalore is the most affected region in Tamil Nadu. The Government has sent medical teams to these areas. It is also putting DDT powder and spraying insecticides on the affected areas. The Government is also going to provide shelter & livelihood to the affected people.

December 29, 2004

EHA responds to tsunami disaster in South India:
In response to the Tsunami disaster which stuck South India on December 26, 2004 EHA along with its partner organizations is providing emergency relief in the Islands of Andaman & Nicobar, and coastal regions of Tamil Nadu.

EHA is working through the Disaster Coordination Committee, an existing partnership of three organizations- EHA, EFICOR & Discipleship Centre. EHA is sectorally specialized in giving medical relief whereas the other partners provide food, clothing, shelter etc.

EHA is joined this time by Food for the Hungry, Christian Medical College Vellore, Christian Medical College Ludhiana and Evangelical Medical Fellowship of India (EMFI). They are partnering with EHA in providing medical assistance both in the acute phase and subsequently in the phase when epidemics will spread in the camps.

In Tamilnadu, the 1st CMC Vellore emergency team of 10 people (four doctors, four nurses and two support staff) immediately left for the coast at Nagapatinam. They proceeded down coast with van of supplies. They reported excess of food and some bundles of clothes lying on the roads. They are now in Therangamvadi and will head back to Vellore.

The 2nd CMC Vellore Official team of 8 people (one doctor & seven support staff) is now in Cudallore. Dr. Sam David of EMFI is coordinating from Chennai. He has 6 junior doctors in Chennai lined up and waiting to be sent anywhere, plus contacts with doctors all along coast.

Dr.Vikram from EHA is on his way to Chennai. One male nurse from Chatarpur hospital is also on his way. Two more doctors are willing to come. The Field Coordinator office is being established in Chennai. Presently it is functional from the residence of Dr Sam David.