The 26th December 2004 tsunami caused extensive destruction along Chennai’s East Coast Road (ECR) and in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

MCBT’s relief activity along the ECR was focused mainly on school children from the affected villages between Kovalam and Mahabalipuram. This area forms the core belt for MCBT’s sea turtles awareness programs and environment education programs. An initial survey was conducted to assess the requirements to ensure that relief reached all children along this belt. MCBT, post tsunami had been involved in helping other organisations co ordinate and carry out relief work in some of the affected villages. The Rotary Club of Chennai Towers was one such organization.  They sponsored stationery and school bags which were distributed to the students. Tuition fees for children in the 10th and 12th classes in private schools were paid for by MCBT.

In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ANET, with its many connections was able to respond immediately .The initial response included providing immediate relief to persons evacuated to Port Blair and to those remaining on the islands. ANET made an assessment of the relief camps around Port Blair. An initial assessment of gaps in each camp was made and steps were taken to fill these. ANET concentrated on sending immediate relief to the Nicobar Islands working in close relationship with the Tribal Council and the Defense Command. The armed forces have access to remote areas where relief materials were most urgently required.

ANET is working closely with the Tribal Council to understand the needs of the Nicobarese and wherever possible meet them. As a part of its rehabilitation efforts ANET has been able to procure funds to purchase the much needed boats, nets, tools and other material necessary for the Nicobarese in the central and southern groups of islands. An information centre has been set up in the offices of the tribal council at Kamorta Island and ANET has provided the centre with necessary office equipment (computer, Photocopier machine and bicycles for volunteers). Initially used to create a database of survivors and deceased, a painstaking process as camps are scattered and remote this is now being used to quantify immediate and long-term rehabilitation requirements, children’s education and to monitor progress over the next three years. ANET will conduct its rehabilitation efforts subject to availability of funds for the next three years.