UNITED SIKHS, an international non-profit human development NGO, is currently working to provide humanitarian aid to victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. Current UNITED SIKHS projects include relief efforts in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nicobar Islands, South India, and Aceh, Indonesia.
Water Water Everywhere but not a Drop to Drink?
Today the Home Minister Shivraj Patil is arriving here by 10. A. M. All the helicopters and flights which are coming here are booked for the staff of the Union Govt. The civilians are suffering heavily due to the lack of transportation. The living costs are very high which is not being considered at any stage for compensation. The compensation being given to the survivors is insufficient to meet the high costs. There is an acute shortage of Diesel and Petrol. Everything is under the lock and key of one administrator - the Additional Commissioner. Basic water supply that comes from W.S filter goes only to the official government quarters and none of the civilians can take the water from that pipe line. They have to 'steal' the water from the taps during the night, otherwise they have to take salt water from the wells, which are flooded with sea water. The Administration has not drained the wells. Water filters are required in Campbell Bay otherwise there are going to be a number of cases of diarrohea and other diseases. Each camp should be provided with at least one filter. There are 4 camps at different locations where the Sikhs have taken shelter. One water filter cost around Rs 15000/- approx.
