Sevabharathi Tamilnadu emerged as a beacon of hope in the aftermath of the Michaung Cyclone and flood relief efforts. The organization played a vital role as a pillar of support for the victims, coordinating extensive disaster management initiatives across 15 zones of the Chennai Corporation.
When Covid-19 began to spread, the world’s attention turned towards India, a country with a population of 140 crores. Many expected the virus to spread rapidly and cause devastating losses. However, India has managed the situation well, as highlighted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
While the government played a crucial role in protecting the people, numerous NGOs joined in to make the task easier. Sevabharathi Tamilnadu, with its prior experience in disaster relief during the 2004 Tsunami and the 2015 Chennai floods, quickly mobilized as the first wave of Covid-19 hit.
Initially, Sevabharathi’s services focused on Annadhanam (free food distribution). This effort soon expanded to include the supply of masks, sanitizer, kabasura kashayam, and grocery kits to those in need. During the second wave, as the demand for medical devices surged, Sevabharathi shifted its focus to providing these essential items.
Anticipating a third wave, Sevabharathi is proactively working with the RSS and other organizations to form panchayat-level committees. These committees receive training in medical self-protection, aiming to create corona-free panchayats.
Sevabharathi Tamilnadu remains committed to facing any future waves of infection effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
In November 2015, Chennai faced devastating floods. During this critical time, Sevabharathi volunteers stepped up to provide essential services. With around 5,500 dedicated volunteers, we were able to rescue nearly 1,350 individuals from the flood-affected areas.
Our relief efforts included the distribution of 21.60 lakh food packets and 12.50 lakh water bottles to those in need. We also provided relief kits to 1,75,250 households, helping them recover and rebuild their lives.
In addition to these efforts, we supplied over 150 wheelchairs and artificial limbs to differently-abled persons, ensuring they received the support they needed to regain mobility and independence.
During the Kerala floods, Sevabharathi Tamilnadu mobilized quickly to provide much-needed relief. Within a short period, we gathered relief materials worth Rs. 5 crore. These essential supplies were sent through 45 trucks, weighing approximately 360 tons, to the affected areas on a war footing.
Sevabharathi Tamilnadu’s prompt response and dedication helped bring relief and hope to those impacted by the floods, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to serving communities in times of need.
In December 2004, when the tsunami struck the coastline of Tamil Nadu, over 3,300 Sevabharathi volunteers immediately engaged in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation activities to support the affected families.
Sevabharathi volunteers rescued 115 individuals before the debris could claim their lives and respectfully removed and cremated over 2,500 decomposed bodies. To provide medical aid, 110 doctors worked tirelessly around the clock, supported by five ambulances.
1,200 female volunteers visited 113 of the worst-affected villages, offering trauma counseling to both children and adults. Additionally, 116 medical experts and six mobile medical units were brought in from other states to provide essential medical treatment.
Within the first week of the disaster, Sevabharathi opened 15 relief centers, feeding more than 46,000 people and distributing 26,860 family kits. A mineral water plant with a capacity of 20,000 liters per day was installed to provide clean drinking water to 12 affected villages.
In addition to providing temporary shelters, Sevabharathi Tamilnadu constructed more than 850 permanent houses for the affected families, ensuring they had a stable and secure place to call home.
Sevabharathi Tamilnadu remains dedicated to providing comprehensive support and compassionate care during times of crisis.
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