In response to the exceptionally intense monsoon rains experienced in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry between October and December 2005, ACTED launched a flood relief operation together with local partners. As a result of the rains, heavy damage was inflicted to shelters and infrastructure, and inhabitants lost household and livelihood assets. Although loss of life was far lower than that caused by the tsunami, it is estimated that the economic loss inflicted by the recent rains and floods may be greater than that caused by the tsunami. Thanks to the European

Le Secours populaire lance un appel aux dons pour venir en aide aux victimes des inondations dans le sud de l'Inde.
Des pluies de mousson extrêmement violentes ont entraîné en novembre et décembre dernier des dégâts considérables dans les Etats de l'Andhra Pradesh et du Tamil Nadu, au sud de l'Inde.

Le nombre de victimes est de deux cents et celui des personnes évacuées atteint presque un demi million.

De nombreuses zones sinistrées ont, en outre, déjà été affectées par le tsunami, en particulier la région de Cuddalore

"This year has been a year like no other for humanitarian action, bracketed by devastating disasters, - the Indian Ocean Tsunami in the final days of 2004 and the South Asia earthquake of October 2005, on top of the worst hurricane season in living memory - and stretching all humanitarian agencies to their maximum capacity and beyond." (Introduction of Humanitarian Appeals 2006- 30 November 2005)
South Asia Earthquake, 8 October 2005

On Saturday 8 October 2005, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in Northern Pakistan, its epicenter situated just 95

In the Karaikal region of Tamil Nadu, India, heavy rains continue to affect many families along the coast devastated by last year's tsunami. The northeast monsoon, which began in late October, has caused damage to infrastructure, caused some lakes and reservoirs to overflow and destroyed homes.

Tsunami Nagar, a new settlement created in the aftermath of the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami, has been severely affected. Built on a paddy field, the unusually heavy rainfall -- 70 cm of rain was recorded during eight days in late November -- caused floodwaters to quickly

by Manan Vatsyayana
CHENNAI, India, Dec 18 (AFP) - At least 42 people, mostly women, were killed and more than 50 injured Sunday in a stampede for food coupons at a flood relief camp in the southern Indian city of Chennai, officials said.

More than 3,000 people affected by floods had gathered at a government school in the Tamil Nadu state capital to collect food coupons early Sunday, an official said.

A police official, who declined to be named, told AFP 45 people were killed and around 50 injured. The government, however, put the death toll at 42.

Appeal Target: US$ 641,383

Geneva, 13 December 2005

Dear Colleagues,

The Federation's mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 183 countries.

In Brief

This Bulletin (no. 3/2005) is being issued for information only, and reflects the status of the situation and information available at this time. The Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation at this time.

The Situation

The southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu

Nature of hazard: Tropical cyclone
Cyclone storm 06B "Fanoos" alert has been issued by IMD (India Meteorological Department) that lays over southwest Bay of Bengal. The cyclone storm has moved westward and lay centred at 5.30 AM (IST) on 9th December 2005 at latitude 10.5° N and Longitude 83.5°E approximately at a distance of 450 KM south -east of Chennai coast. The cyclonic system has been forecasted to intensify further and move in a west-north-westerly direction towards Tamil Nadu coast during the next 36 hrs.

Forecast

- Under its influence widespread rainfall

by Sarojitha Arokiaraj - Communications

After three days of torrential rain, Indian officials say about 13 people have been killed and more than 100,000 others evacuated from their homes in southern India, according to BBC News.

Heavy rains have affected areas in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states, including damaging railway lines and roads.

Some 2,111 families from 42 villages where World Vision supported-Perambalur Area Development Program works have suffered property losses and severe damage to their houses. Perambalur ADP works in 49 villages in Perambalur district.