Asian Tsunami
Replacement boats for the fishermen of Tamil Nadu
Fortunately, we at Kondo Syokai were physically unaffected by the Asian Tsunami since our location on the South West coast of India was protected by the land masses of Sri Lanka and South East India. Experiencing no more than tidal surges we were mercifully safe in Cochin harbour, however like others the world over, we have been shocked to see the devastation brought to other areas of the Indian Ocean and were motivated to ask what we can do to assist those who have suffered loss?
Arun Louis - our Ops Manager - visited localities just south of our location. Here is what he had to say:
"Most casualities were in Chidambaram, Velankanni and Nagapattanam in Tamil Nadu, and in Kollam in Kerala. I went and visited Kollam. For more than 2 kilometers the costal area is destroyed all the houses were gone. It is really sad to see those things in life."
Cochin is home to many fishing communities, and as an organisation with it's own boatyards we decided that we were best placed to assist with the replacement of fishing vessels in the affected areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and to make these on a non-profit basis. Our information was that somewhere in the region of 13,000 fishing boats had been lost to service - 3000 probably permanently. Replacing these vessels is essential if those fishing famillies who have suffered loss are to rebuild the economic basis of their lives.
Our UK director, Dr. John Crabtree, presented the idea to members of the Rotary Club of Aldershot ( see here for information about the Rotary organisation ) based in England, and we are pleased to say that the plan was taken up by them and became a Rotary led exercise. Two 29' replacement boats have now been built and handed over to victims of the Tsunami and a Rotary Matching Grant has been applied for to enable us to build another 10 boats. Anyone who would like to contribute to this effort, or support the work of Rotary in general, can find details of how to make a donation here.
Links
Kondo Syokai and Aldershot Rotary Club - replacement fishing boats for the fishermen of Tamil Nadu
Ex. Shrivenham Da Gama - UK Defence Force students build a replacement fishing boat
Brochures
Tsunami Relief - Rotary International Matching Grant awarded
