In Pictures: Gaja Cyclone, a Dance of Death and Destruction

The Gaja Cyclone has wreaked havoc in ten districts of Tamil Nadu, when it struck the coast of Nagapattinam on the November 15 midnight. As per local groups and experts, it has already devastated the coastal areas of Nagapattinam district, shattering homes and destroying villages. About 2.5 lakh people are in temporary camps in these districts with more than 80,000 people in the district of Nagapattinam alone. Not a single tree could be seen standing, not to mention crops, fishing boats, and homes in several villages. Thatched roofs have been blown away making people homeless and the children have lost their school bags, books and notebooks. Power supply is still not up after five days and it might take several days to be revived given that more than 30,000 electric posts have been damaged in the state. A team of volunteers from a grassroots organisation, Vanavil trust visited the Cycle affected areas and have appealed for help for the victims.

Note:
Having visited some of the coastal areas, we think that the urgent need of the moment are certain basic requirements. Drinking water and food is what people in the camps need, along with mats and blankets to rest in the nights. So, in the true spirit of Vanavil, a school that was born in the aftermath of Tsunami relief work we want to stand with the people of Nagapattinam once again and help them to face this calamity.

One of the worst affected blocks in Nagapattinam district is Thalaignayiru. Here, farming and inland fishing is the primary livelihood sources and the landless agricultural labouring families are the most affected, as always. Please see the list of villages in this block and the number of affected families in the accompanying list.

In order to meet the urgent basic needs of the affected people, we are in the first phase of relief, trying to mobilize dry foods like biscuits, milk powder, essentials like candles, mosquito mats, match boxes and a dry ration kit containing rice, pulses, oil, salt, chilli powder, sugar, tea powder etc. We seek your support in cash or kind to help the most affected people at this moment of crisis.

Please send monetary contributions to Vanavil Trust.

From India:
Account Name: Vanavil Trust
Account Number: 954121293
Bank Name: Indian Bank
Branch: Nagapattinam
IFSC: IDIB000N004 (5th character is zero)

From foreign countries (FCRA):
Account Name: Vanavil Trust
Account Number: 510101006399272
Bank Name: Corporation Bank
Branch: Nagapattinam
Bank Address: 73, Neela South St, Nagapattinam, India – 611001
SWIFT CODE: CORPINBB716

Please put “Cyclone Relief” in the memo field when making a NEFT , RTGS, or SWIFT transfer and send an email to Vanavil.school@gmail.com so that we can acknowledge the donation.

Send materials to
Vaasal Training centre,
No.265, Public Office Road,
Velipalayam
Nagapattinam
611001

List of villages Talaignayiru

1. Santhaanam theru
2. Sinthamani theru
3. Lingathadi theru
4. Velaanimundal
5. Muneeswaran koil theru
6. Santhaiveli theru
7. Pazhayatrankarai therku
8. Pazhayatrankarai vadakku
9. Vadakku theru, pazhayaru
10. Vadakku theru
11. Thirumalam
12. Mukkattai theru
13. Seraankulam
14. Pirinjimulai
15. Kesavan oodai
16. Sadayan kottagam
17. Ekarajapuram
18. Kadantheeddi