Cyclone Thane

A telephone call from a friend, Stephen Raj, in Puducherry (also known as Pondicherry) in South India made me write this post. He was referring to the serious damage cyclone Thane that hit the union territory of Puducherry and the districts of Cuddalore and Villupuram in Tamilnadu on 29 -30 Dec 2011. Their organization Pondicherry Multipurpose Social Service Society is responding to the needs of thousands of people who are affected by the disaster. He was specially referring to the loss of livelihood. I have traveled in those areas, between Puducherry to Vadalur through Cuddalore and visited many villages in October last year. The places are dry and so mostly cash crops such as cashew nuts, tamarind, coconut and other such trees are grown along with millets and others. According to Stephen the people are feeling that their lives have been pushed back by at least 20 years, as even if they plant trees it would take another nearly 10 years to get on to the regular cropping. Houses are damaged. There is no electricity and people are living in temporary shelters. Huts have been ruined and people  are extremely stressed after the damage. He has sent me some photos and a small project write up if any organization is willing to support PMSSS.  If anyone is interesting in supporting the livelihood of people, you may contact: Executive Director, Pondicherry Multipurpose Social Service Society (PMSSS), No 81, Laporte Street, Puducherry - 605001, India. Email: pmssspondy@hotmail.com

You can view files and pictures, including a project proposal by clicking on: Support PMSSS