India: Appeal from Tsunami-South India NGO Coordination Cell

Charles, on behalf of Tsunami-South India NGO Coordination Cell writes to us:

There have been many kind offers of volunteers and thanks to all for their heartfelt wishes. The major relief stage is over, and we are now in the planning and rehabilitation phase. At present, there are several specific skills which would be useful. People who would be very useful are those who have expertise in the following areas:

- Repairing fibre-glass reinforced plastic (FRP), i.e. damaged fishing boats.
- Ability to fix out board motors.
- Mangrove reforestation/biologists
- Bamboo cultivation, suitability etc.
- Soil scientists, especially desalination of soil
- Play therapy and children's playground designers
- Project managers relating to rehabilitation projects, including housing/forestry/health/water and sanitation/fisheries
- Systems support, expand network and website development
- Journalists for documentation purposes (Tamil speaker especially)

There is a lot of available labour in the affected areas at present. Volunteers' skills are most helpful in organizational capacity, design, and knowledge transfer. Being able to speak Tamil is especially helpful. You can reach them at:

The Tsunami - South India NGO Coordination Cell
#4 Sathalvar Street, Mogappair, West Chennai 600058
Phone: 044 26244211, 26357854
Email: tsunami.prepare@gmail.com