The 2023 Monsoons underscored India’s vulnerability to escalating climate-related risks, with northern regions grappling with extreme weather events like flash floods and landslides during the peak monsoons. The challenges persisted as Cyclone Michaung made landfall on December 5th near Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, with sustained winds of 90-100 kmph. The severe cyclonic storm resulted in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives, extensive infrastructure damage, and the displacement of over 61,600 people across nine districts in Tamil Nadu. The Andhra Pradesh government, responding swiftly, evacuated over 15,000 people and established 181 relief camps, allocating funds for rescue and relief efforts. The Krishna district administration proactively evacuated around 11,876 people to relief camps from 63 fishermen villages in preparation for Cyclone Michaung.

In response to Cyclone Michaung in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Caritas India, supported by its partners, promptly trained a team on key emergency response essentials, aligning with Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and organizational SOPs post needs assessment. Addressing immediate needs identified through assessments, Caritas India reached out to over 3,588 households (HHs) with shelter kits, food, and hygiene kits.

Mobilizing prepositioned shelter kits from Kolkata, Caritas India swiftly assisted 576 households from 26 villages in six districts—East Godavari, Nellore, Konna Seema, Prakasham, Krishna, and Bapatla—within four days of the response commencement, in collaboration with four partners. These families primarily hailed from coastal areas, including marginalized populations from fisherman communities, daily wage workers, and Scheduled Caste and Tribe groups. Alongside shelter kit support, over 2,600 families received food assistance tailored to meet their dietary requirements for 20-25 days, considering local dietary needs and preferences.

The response extended to affected areas of Tamil Nadu, aiding a total of 988 affected families, particularly those with vulnerable members such as the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and children. Covering numerous villages across various Blocks/Mandals, immediate relief assistance comprising food and hygiene kits reached 588 households in Chennai with the support of Madras Social Service Society and 400 households across 47 villages in Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts with the support of CRDS.
Caritas India’s rapid and targeted response, in collaboration with partners, demonstrated a commitment to addressing immediate needs and providing essential support to vulnerable communities affected by these unprecedented natural disasters in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.