Chennai: According to a recent assessment by an international NGO, the total cost of rebuilding a house damaged by the floods is Rs 35,000. In order to add to Tamil Nadu government's compensation of Rs 5,000, Caritas, a disaster relief NGO is distributing funds worth Rs 1.32 crore.
The NGO was working with flood victims even before the floods of December 3 and are presently helping rebuild 738 flood hit houses in the state. According to the director of Caritas, Father Frederick D'Souza, the flood relief money is not sufficient for those who have lost their homes, "Only if we visit the place can we see the actual extent of damage the house have suffered and while the government's fund can be appreciated, it is simply not enough to rebuild a house and consequently a life." The NGO hopes that the victims who receive the funds are able to add their government fund to the funds they get at Caritas and help each to rebuild their houses.
"The sad part of giving only Rs 5,000 is it could also result in the beneficiaries using the money for unneeded purposes," added Fr Frederick. Apart from providing financial assistance the NGO has also promised to join hands with the public to help them with the construction.
Even though the NGO has already started distributing the funds, they are continuing to collect money so as to reach more families. "We are trying to concentrate on CSR initiative at corporate companies. We have to encourage more people to contribute and make a change," said Fr Frederick.
