Tsunami20 — At home, at peace
Among the worse-affected countries, India reported more than 16,000 people dead in the wake of the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami. The country’s economic loss came to US$1.7 billion. The catastrophe highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities. Three families who have rebuilt their homes and lives with Habitat for Humanity India share how they have overcome challenges.
Rani’s family of five used to live in a thatched house near the beach in Villupuram district, southern India. She recalled, “Suddenly, the big waves came from the sea, completely destroying our house. We didn’t know what was happening. Everyone ran from the beach to the main road to survive.” Rani’s two children were taken by her mother to a safe place. Rescued by other villagers, Rani gave birth to her third child two weeks later.
Rani (center), seen with her daughters Pavya (left) and Narmatha (right), plans to build another room for her son.
With the support of Habitat for Humanity India, Rani’s family built a new brick home that was dedicated a year after the tsunami. After her husband Muniyan died in 2010, she had to bring up the children on her own. But Rani felt secure. “It is questionable whether I would have been at peace if I had not such a house.”
Currently, Rani lives with her youngest daughter Pavya while her married eldest daughter Narmatha stays in a village nearby. Rani’s son is currently working abroad in the fishing industry. She said, “I have to save some money and build another room so that my son who is going to get married will be comfortable.”
Surya (center) has peace of mind knowing that her mother Porkalai (right) is living in a safe home. Porkalai’s grandson Vinoth (left) was visiting then.
Another villager Porkalai recalled the difficult times when many tsunami-affected families had to stay in relief camps. There was a sense of insecurity. With the support of Habitat staff and volunteers, Porkalai and her husband, who had since passed away, were able to build a new home that was more spacious, better ventilated and with access to electricity.
Porkalai’s second daughter Surya said, “Now all our children are grown up. But they come and stay with my mother and take good care of her. Even though my mother is old, we are relieved that she is in a safe house.”
Others in the village feel a sense of security. Sandhiya said, “We left our children safely at home and went to work. As a result, our family’s economic situation improved to some extent. We educated our children well and saw them get married. Now they live happily with their husbands and children.”
Her daughter Sivalaksmi recalled that there were only four or five concrete houses back then with most people living in huts. According to her, villagers respect others based on the condition of their houses. While her family had low income, they were able to build a quality home with Habitat’s support. “We got an honor that we did not have before. After that, there was an atmosphere of equality in the village.”
Sandhiya (third from left) is visited by her married daughters Sivalaksmi (second from left) and Sinduja (right).
Her daughter Sivalaksmi recalled that there were only four or five concrete houses back then with most people living in huts. According to her, villagers respect others based on the condition of their houses. While her family had low income, they were able to build a quality home with Habitat’s support. “We got an honor that we did not have before. After that, there was an atmosphere of equality in the village.”
Sivalaksmi remembered being happy in their new home when she was young. It was airy and had sufficient light. Having a toilet — which they did not have before — was a new experience too.