The damage and the loss of life and property caused by the tsunami on the 26th of December 2004, in the eastern coast of Southern India, have been unprecedented and catastrophic.

In Chidambaram and Cuddalore, coastal areas of South India, relief camps by Isha volunteers have been operating from the first day, offering food, shelter, quality medical assistance and psychological relief to the victims. Thousands of volunteers from all walks of life are tirelessly working to bring long-term rehabilitation to devastated villages in Vellankovil and Nagapattanam.

While the damage cannot be undone, we can lessen the suffering of the survivors, who are almost entirely from poorer communities, by reaching out to them during this moment of extreme distress. Starting off the survivors on a whole new life would be the most humane gesture on our part.