European Union provides aid to 17,500 affected by cyclone Gaja

The European Union (EU) has allocated €105,000 to help victims affected by cyclone Gaja which hit parts of Tamil-Nadu, India in November this year.

About 17,500 people will directly benefit from aid in the worst-affected areas of Thiruvarur, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam.

In collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), the EU will provide support in delivering lifesaving support to at-risk communities through the distribution of relief items and emergency shelter material. Relief items include household kits, kitchen sets and tarpaulins.

In order to decrease the risk of vector-borne diseases, long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets are being provided to vulnerable communities.

The action will specifically assist female headed households, disabled people living in temporary homes or shelters and families who have lost their homes due to the cyclone.

The storm destroyed public infrastructure, homes and crops due to torrential downpours and 120 kilometer per hour winds.

There have been 60 reported deaths as a result of cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu, and a futher 250,000 have been displaced. Affected families are currently living in over 490 temporary shelters across the state.

The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the International Federation of Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF).

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Photo Credit: Indian Red Cross Society