The deadly consequences of Tsunami that took place on 26th December 2004 are globally known. Prakasam, with a coastal line of 102 kms, has been the worst affected District in Andhra Pradesh. Ten mandals have been affected and 75 coastal fishermen been severely damaged. In Prakasam District, official death toll given on the first day was 38 including 21 women and 2 children, but unofficially the people said it was much higher. A minimum of 1,000 fisherman and women were to be traced still. More than 10,000 people were shifted from these habitations to safer places. While the facilities in these rescue camps were not sufficient, both the government departments and the local people had requested the intervention of ASSIST to provide additional facilities. ASSIST along with Rotary has concentrated its efforts in Guntur and Prakasam Districtsand has provided food, supplementing government support, medical aid, clothing and blankets. We have also been involved in the following activities

• Extended training to community organisers in Trauma counseling and counseling services in the affected villages to provide fisherman communities with moral strength and courage


• Health services were extended and restoration of drinking water sources was undertaken


• Supplementing Government’s Food Assurance Programme with the required provisions. In addition to the rice and cash provided by the government, rice and provisions needed were extended under the programme


• Provision of boats and nets for the affected fisherman families in Prakasam District (with the collaboration of Rotary international District 3150 S, DESWOS and Sonnenhaus from Germany, Manitese, AIB and ISP from Italy, CRS, USA, and direct individuals)