Ravinder Singh has just returned to Chennai from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Prior to leaving the Islands, he was able to make a trip to Hut Bay, Little Andaman. This small Island was fully devastated from the Tsunami waves. Virtually every property on the Island has been damaged, with many totally demolished. Several camps were visited during the trip. Ravinder Singh was also able to meet Zila Prashad (Tehsil) to discuss local needs.

After a long journey through a coconut tree forest, Ravinder also met with Captain John Joshua, a leader of the Nicobarean tribe on the Island. Captain Joshua also took Ravinder to Harmandir Bay, named after a local Sikh who had won the trust of the tribe. The tribal leader had requested 200 corrugated tin sheets for roofing. During this visit 20 sewing machines had been distributed to locals. Amrik Singh, of Khalsa Aid, said `Little Andaman has become a new area for us. The locals have requested many things from toilets and washing areas to cycle repair kits and barber kits'. The desire of many locals is to become self-sufficient as soon as possible.

A total of four camps were visited on Little Andaman with local officials.

An NGO support store has also been set up which will provide water, mosquito nets and bedding upon receipt of a deposit. Ravinder Singh said `It is important for Khalsa Aid to support other NGOs in the region. If we can provide them with just a little help. we know they will be able to do their work better'.

Other updates
Port Blair, Andaman Islands
A total of six camps within 30 miles of Port Blair are being provided aid by Khalsa Aid. Both Amrik Singh and Ajmer Singh have been providing food, water, clothing and lighting to these camps. Of the help provided by members of the Lion's club, Ravinder Singh said `Mohammed Pervaiz has been a brilliant sevadar for the Lion's club. His knowledge of the local area, camps, businesses and officials has made our ability to deliver aid very easy. Today he asked me if he could become an honorary Khalsa. I wholeheartedly agreed!'. A sanitation facility was also installed in one of the camps. Khalsa Aid aims to focus on this task in further camps on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How the Sangat Can Help
We ask the sangat to pray for all the Tsunami-affected families. Khalsa Aid also requires more volunteers. If you would like to help, please call our hotline or visit our website www.khalsaaid.org (UK Registered Charity 1080374). You can also contact the ground team at the numbers given below.

Ground Team (India) +91 984 025 8984 OR +91 984 060 3528

Contact Us

Phone:

( 0 ) 7966 414 774
( 0 ) 7733 124 520

Fax: To be announced soon

Mailing Address:
Khalsa Aid
Office 16
111 Whitby Road
Slough
Berks
SL1 3DR
UK

Online: www.khalsaaid.org
E-mail: khalsaaid@khalsaaid.org