In December, Cyclone Thane hit the coast of Tamil Nadu, making landfall between Puducherry and Cuddalore bringing in its wake torrential rains accompanied by gale force winds above 135 kph that uprooted hundreds of trees and knocked electric poles, snapping power supply in several areas. The cyclone resulted in the death of a large number of people while thousands of others were severely impacted, losing their homes and precious belongings.

The tiny Union Territory of Puducherry was cut off from neighbouring districts in Tamil Nadu with the uprooted trees blocking road traffic. The cyclone also disrupted rail and air operations. Cuddalore was the most affected, with damaged roads rendering it difficult for rescue teams including those from National Disaster Response Force and fire and rescue services to reach the cyclone hit fishing hamlets.

Ujjivan’s customers at Cuddalore and Panruti were brutally affected by the devastating storm. Even nine of our staff members in these locations had their houses severely damaged. Carol Furtado, Chief Operating Officer (South) and senior management staff rushed to the affected areas to stock of the situation and assess the extent of damage and devastation on our customers and staff.

Coconut, cashew, and jackfruit plantations are completely destroyed. There was no electricity and very little water supply. Our customers who live in asbestos sheet houses and thatched houses lost their roofs.

After conducting a quick study, the regional leadership team members and field staff chalked out a plan for disaster relief efforts. The senior management spent 3-4 days with the dedicated branch staff in helping out with the relief work, working round the clock in unloading food grains, packing them and distributing food packets to customers.

Over 10 tons of food grains and 600 litres of oil were distributed among the 3100 customers who were impacted by the cyclone. Ujjivan will also help renovate the houses of the 9 staff members whose homes were damaged.

We are also providing a 1-month repayment holiday for customers, allowing them to rebuild their lives and start earning before having to make repayments.

The commitment and field work put in by the branch staff and by Ujjivan’s senior management teams at a severe time of distress have given the customers confidence to get back on their feet in quick time and again start leading normal lives.