Hundreds of families in Nilgiris district mainly Ooty, Gudalur and Pandalur blocks experienced the bitter impact of intermittent rainfall during the first week of August, 2019. It had rendered many people homeless, loss their physical assets and temporary livelihood.   Some families were staying in the 30 plus relief camps for 10-12 days. Mostly slum dwellers in Ooty and the tribal people particularly from Irulas and Paniya tribes in Gudalur and Pandalur taluks were badly impacted.

During that period many voluntary organisations with the support of philanthropists provided food and other essential commodities that are required for day to day sustenance. Udhagamandalam Social Service Society (USSS)  under the leadership of its Executive Director, Fr.Solomon did its best by mobilizing support from Parishes and well-wishers.  “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference in the lives of underprivileged and  people in helpless situation” he emphasized while steering the relief operation. Once the rains stopped, people housed in the camps were sent back. When they went home, they only saw slush and other basic utility articles in an unusable condition. There were not enough blanket and clothes to wear as they were damaged in the floodwater.

The needs assessment by USSS revealed that provision of blankets and warm clothes is the top priority and its intervention was oriented on this line. Dr.John Arokiaraj, Thematic Manager, Caritas India who was at the ground zero realized the urgency of this request as the people were suffering in the biting cold.  He co-ordinated with DRR department for channelizing required funds for a timely response. He along with USSS procurement team ensured age, gender and diversity approach is used to establish the needs when selecting commodities for distribution. Scrutiny was done to assess the quality of each item and the quantities required.  In order to ensure their personal comfort, dignity, health, and well-being the package included enough clothing and blankets.

In the meantime, USSS negotiated with the manufacturing companies in Tirupur and Erode, placed an order for blankets and warm clothes to benefit 600 households and got the materials at 70% discounted value.

Fr.Solomon was very particular that no deserving flood affected should be left behind. He along with the staff team laid selection criteria. The enumeration done by the field co-ordinators and volunteers helped in arriving the final list of most needy beneficiaries. They were detailed about the content of distributions, and when and how distributions will be made. Women played significant role in distributions and their management.

On 29/08/2019, blankets and clothes were distributed to 140 beneficiaries from 8 areas in Ooty Municipality. Msgr.Christopher Lawrence presided over the event. He said “ Caritas India has come forward with timely assistance. While thanking the organization, let us also follow its guidance in disaster mitigation initiatives”.  Deputy Superintendent of Ooty- Mr. Arockiaraj gave assurance to assist USSS in DRR activities. Fr. Benedict- Ooty Vicar Forane who has been involved in relief activities coordinating with USSS and District Administration from day one said “ We are privileged and as responsible human beings let us stretch out to those who need our helping hand”. 26 volunteers were facilitating the distribution process.

Louisa, one of the volunteers who helped in the identification of the most affected said that the assistance reached the most needy people. “ Many families shared their relatives house during the flood and did not stay in the camp. They did not get welfare assistance from the government. Now they are happy. More than the warm clothes, people were touched by the warmth of USSS team” she said.

Fr.Amalraj, Correspondent of St.Theresa’s School explained how the students can be motivated towards building a resilient society. He also recalled the generosity of poor people in coming to the rescue of flood affected. Sameera Banu after receiving the relief kit said that once again USSS has proved that its mission is more humane and beyond caste and religious barriers.

Roseline, an elderly woman of 76 years said “  I live alone. During floods I was stranded, I could not come to my house as I was ill; lost my bare minimum belongings and survived with the little food given by neighbors. Now I realize that God does not let down anyone and experience His helping hand  through USSS.”

On 30/08/2019, 460 Tribal families living in the villages of koovamoola, Cherambadi, Pandalur, Chellakunnu, Kariasholai, Nadugani, Amaikulam, Nellikandi, Mundakunnu, and Devala in Gudalur and Pandalur are the contented people as they received the relief materials from USSS.