Life Smiles Again in Andaman and Hutbay

Report from HCC and MCCS on the Rehabilitation Work in Andaman
April 27, 2005

It was a great day for the Hindustani Covenant Church and Mission Covenant Church of Sweden when they participated in a ceremony initiated by Lt. Governor Prof. Ram Kapse on April 20, 2005 to officially thank the HCC for the humanitarian assistance provided for the victims of the tsunami in Andaman and Hutbay. HCC was represented by Mr. Ashish Wasker and Mr. Sukumar Kobalkar, who received gifts in appreciation.

April 22, 2005 marked another milestone for HCC when 110 intermediate shelters were handed over to the Honorable Member of Parliament Mr. Manoranjan Bhakt in the presence of other members of parliament, NGOs and beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries themselves then took over ownership of their individual intermediate shelter. They smiled in joy, despite the pain and deep sorrow they had experienced – joy mixed with tears. It reminded us of the words of Jesus "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto Me".

HCC received special recognition because it was the first organization to deliver intermediate shelters to the government and ultimately to the victims.

The government also expressed their appreciation for the materials and equipment that HCC delivered during the first two months after the tsunami. This included dry rations, utensils, stoves, mattresses, buckets, household objects, etc. The victims who were present expressed their gratitude that they were given this opportunity to rebuild their lives in dignity.

HCC has established 10 self-help groups in Panighat, Choldhari, Numunaghar and Mittakhadi. These groups are especially appreciated by women victims who lost their loved ones and all their possessions. The groups provide moral support for these women to become self-reliant.

HCC has also provided economic assistance to 10 women so they can start their own businesses, which means that others will also receive help through them. These women were overwhelmed by HCC's generosity when no other organization came forward to help.

HCC has also begun repairing fishing boats. The fishermen are especially grateful for this assistance because HCC is the first organization to help them in the wake of the tsunami. They will once again be able to fish as soon as their boats are repaired.

The needs of the fishermen were examined by HCC, who established a plan on how they could be helped in the best possible way. Groups of three families will share a boat, fishing nets and equipment to encourage them to form cooperatives.

A survey conducted by HCC on how to clean up the farming land destroyed by salt water has been completed and the cost is determined to be 30,000 rupees per hectare. HCC, in cooperation with the farmers and the department of agriculture, is now working on a plan to raise the necessary funds to make the land productive once again. The farmers appreciate HCC's initiative and networking.

HCC has established training programs to teach the farmers organic farming in the hopes that they will be able to start farming as soon as possible.

Young adults are now receiving training provided by HCC in catastrophe awareness and first aid in order to be prepared in the event of a new catastrophe. HCC has chosen a place situated on higher ground to serve as shelter during future natural calamities. A disaster center will be built there and will serve as both a training and crisis center.

A survey on mulching animals has also been conducted. It is planned that women who have lost their families will be able to provide for themselves through these animals.

HCC is still spending much time and money on trauma counseling to many who are still feeling deep grief and sorrow.

Medical assistance is being provided through the use of mobile clinics in 12 places. Dr. Christina works whole-heartedly and unselfishly.

Many have pointed out that HCC's assistance is conducted with a deep respect for the integrity of the individual as well as the individual's willingness to build a new life to once again become self-sufficient.

HCC is very much indebted to the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden for the support they have provided: prayers, economic support, long-standing cooperation, personnel for relief and medical assistance and especially for inspiring other organizations to support Andaman and Nicobar. We are grateful for this support from MCCS. Without it, it would not have been possible to help the tsunami victims in the Andamans.