Rotary Club donates 250 'shelter boxes' to tsunami victims

The Rotary District 3230 of the Rotary International network has donated 250 'shelter boxes' worth Rs 1 crore for those affected in the tsunami strike, and has committed to donate another 500 boxes worth Rs 2 crore shortly.

These shelter boxes have been specially designed to be used in natural calamities. Each shelter box weighs 56 kg and contains a leak-proof tent of 200 sq ft that can accommodate 10 adults, sleeping bags, clean water, plastic water carriers, shovel, flashlight and batteries, multi-fuelled cook stove, rope and a multi-utility tool kit.

Besides these items, it also contains 180 water purification tablets and one five-gallon flat-pack water container. The tablets can purify 1,800 gallons of clean drinking water which is sufficient for a family of ten for up to three months.

"These shelter boxes can accommodate a family of ten for between six months to a year's time until permanent shelter is provided. Going forward, we shall adopt three to four villages in the affected areas, and in association with the state government, we will build permanent dwelling and restore the livelihood of fishermen," said Benjamain Cherian, governor (2004-05), Rotary International District 3230.

The organisation is also planning to spend about $1 million on long-term rehabilitation work including rebuilding of schools, providing sanitation facilities, fishing nets, repairing boats, catamarans and counselling for the traumatised.

The shelter boxes were specially brought in free of cost from the UK to Delhi by Virgin Atlantic and from Delhi to Chennai by Indian Airlines.