Chennai, 23rd December – ActionAid Association, with its two-decade long history of disaster response – including events like the Odisha Super Cyclone in 1999 and Tsunami in 2004 – has swiftly moved to aid communities impacted by the recent flooding in Chennai, Tamil Nadu caused by Michaung cyclone. The floods have particularly affected informal settlements along riverbanks, exacerbating vulnerabilities and adding to existing challenges faced by families related to livelihood and income loss.

In collaboration with Loyola College’s Department of Service Learning, ActionAid Association initiated relief efforts targeting 209 marginalised families, including those headed by women, single women, and individuals with disabilities. The distribution was led by Loyola College’s Principal, Rev. Dr. Louis Arockiaraj SJ, along with Dr. Esther Mariaselvam and Mr. Debabrat, Associate Directors of ActionAid Association. Relief packages, valued at Rs. 1000 each, were distributed to approximately 209 deserving women in the affected areas, including three locations in Tyenampet and three in Chetpet. The relief and rehabilitation efforts is set to extend to other impacted districts, including Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Changalpattu, Tirunelveli, and Tuticorin district in the coming phases.

The relief effort focused on the most vulnerable families, providing a dry ration kit to address immediate food crisis until they can recover and establish sustainable means of securing food independently. Each household kit comprises essential items such as 5 kg of rice, 1 kg of atta, 1 litre of cooking oil, 1 kg of toor dal, 1 kg of salt, along with various spices and detergents.

Renuga Davi, a 42-year-old women who lost her ability to speak after being abandoned by her spouse, and her 65-year-old mother, Meena, from Giriappa Road, shared a poignant story of losing their belongings, including a radio, mixer and TV, when floodwaters entered their house. Renuga narrated the distressing experience of returning from the hospital only to discover that everything was lost. They express gratitude that the ration they received is anticipated to suffice for a few days.

Muthuvalli, a 50-year-old woman residing on Giriappa Road and living alone, experienced the collapse of her house. Unable to cook for herself, she has been relying on meals provided by her neighbours. She expresses joy at the prospect of sharing her ration with her neighbour, highlighting the community support.

ActionAid Association remains committed to addressing the immediate needs of affected communities and plans for ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts across the region.

***Ends***

For more information, contact: Esther Mariaselvam| Esther.Mariaselvam@actionaid.org | 9444951927

About ActionAid Association

ActionAid Association is an organisation working for social and ecological justice. ActionAid has been engaged with the most marginalised communities in India since 1972. In 2006, ActionAid Association was registered as an Indian organisation, governed by an independent General Assembly and a Governing Board. Together with supporters, communities, institutions and governments, we strive for equality, fraternity and liberty for all. ActionAid Association works in 24 states and two union territories, with several partners and allied organisations. ActionAid Association is part of a global federation and a full affiliate of ActionAid International, that has presence in over 40 countries worldwide.