SOURCE: REUTERS,AP


Ravishankar (AID Chennai Volunteer, IIT - Madras Professor) gave an update on 
AID-India and TNSF efforts in response to this disaster on 26th Dec 2004, 1pm EST. 

Also refer to Balaji's email report.

Update from AID-Chennai:
************************

- Since the disaster on Sunday morning, AID-Chennai and TNSF volunteers have been 
working on immediate relief efforts. Ravishankar visited some affected areas 
and witnessed the extensive damage. 

- Particularly, Srikuppam area has the most damage in Chennai.

- AID-Chennai and TNSF run Makkal Palli Iyyakkam centres in 3 of the affected l
ocalities: Mylapore, Thiruvanmiyur, Marina. Many AID-Chennai volunteers live
 and work in these areas, and have started immediate relief efforts.

- The plan is to establish relief centres in each of these areas, and a Coordination 
Centre at the TNSF state office.

- Some AID-Chennai volunteers affected, but as of now all their direct families
 seem to be safe though houses are affected, such as Jagdish's.

- Cannot give a specific update as yet on government relief efforts.

- AID-Chennai has begun collecting clothes and other relief material. 
They are appealing for donations.

- Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts suffer major damage with 
Nagapattinam (Nagai) worst-affected. AID-India/TNSF and partners have
 volunteer base in these areas.
 They are surveying what needs to be done. KPN visiting affected areas in
 Cuddalore and Mr.Ranganathan  visiting Nagai.

- Fisherpeople worst-affected. Entire fishing villages washed away. 

- Vennila's sister is a doctor at Royapettah hospital, and she reports huge 
influx of victims.