Tsunami

Nearly 200 people were killed in South Kerala. Tsunami waves rushing from the Arabian Sea invaded the land creating havoc and destruction for the coastal fishing hamlets. Our SCJ Community house in Kumbalanghi (Dehon Bhavan) is situated around 15 klms away from one of the affected areas. Over 10,000 people have been evacuated from the coastal villages of Alappuzha, Kollam, Calicut, and Trivandrum. Hundreds of huts were washed away and the on-rushing waters battered fishing canoes resting on the beaches. Some of these houses belonged to the families of our candidates who attend our minor and major seminaries. They have been relocated to refugee camps. The school nearby our house in Kumbalanghi is filled with refugees. They are in need of care, concern and support. The health department warned the people about the possible outbreak of disease and cautioned people against venturing out along the seashore.

Presently the members of the SCJ India District are in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh participating in the annual District Assembly. During this time they will make decisions about how the SCJ India District will respond to this great tragedy.

Submitted by Dn. Mathai, SCJ