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 Commission (ECHO), ACTED and its local partner BLESS have been able to take immediate relief measures: food rations as well as livelihood assets were distributed. Along with local partners, such as BLESS, CISARD or READ, ACTED undertook repairs of shelters and latrines, and took measures to improve drainage and avoid the spread of water diseases. Other specific activities such as actions to protect and restaure potable water sources and improving water management were identified.
ACTED plans to target communities that are particularly vulnerable to floods and build flood mitigation strategies into future projects.
With the flexibility allowed by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), ACTED and local partner BLESS, responded immediately by setting up community kitchens through women's self help groups. For a period of three days, 7,500 individuals in 5 villages were provided with two meals a day. A distribution of dry rations to 20,000 families in 57 villages was also carried out.
In addition to these immediate relief measures, 12 villages were targeted for further intervention.
A number of specific actions were identified, including activities to protect and restore potable water sources, improve water management capacity of affected villages and reduce vulnerability to future floods. To replace lost assets, BLESS is also carrying out distributions of educational material, clothing, school uniforms, household and livelihood assets in these villages. In addition, dry food rations (rice and vegetables) have been provided to 1,700 families.
With funds from ACTED's other donors, DFID, Fondation de France and Agence de l'Eau Adour Garonne, ACTED has also been able to bring relief to existing beneficiaries in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts. Actions undertaken included repairs to shelters and latrines, measures to avoid the spread of water borne diseases and to improve drainage, as well as replacement of lost assets and food items. These actions have been undertaken together with ACTED's local implementing partners BLESS, CISARD, CSSR, Kudumbam and READ. ACTED continues to monitor the situation and interact with beneficiaries on a regular basis.
ACTED plans to target communities that are particularly vulnerable to floods and build flood mitigation strategies into future projects.