|
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is in constant touch with the local administration of Andaman and Nicobar islands to ensure relief and assistance to the 6 tribal communities inhabiting the region. Relief has reached the Nicobarese and Andamanese tribes. The local administration is trying to assess human loss to the rest of the tribes.
According to the latest information and assessment, the Jarawas, who inhabit the middle Andaman are not likely to be affected, as they inhabit hilly terrain and forest areas. The Andamanese, who live on Strait Island are safe because they live in Archaepilago. However, food is being reached to them. Of the Onges around 100, who live in Dugong Creek, about 40 have been saved and attempts are being made by aerial surveys to find out about others.
The fate of Shompens, who are around 100 and live in Cambell Bay, are not yet known as all bridges are broken. The Sentinelese with whom no contact has been established and live in North Sentinel Island will be surveyed by boat. However, the Nicobarese who are most prosperous among the communities inhabiting A&N and number about 26 thousand, is feared to have been most badly affected. Efforts are being made by the Ministry to assess the damage and make efforts to ensure that all steps are taken to bring immediate relief to the affected communities. About 3000 are feared missing. Special relief package by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is being prepared and will be announced as soon as damage is estimated.
A team from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs consisting of Anthropologists and officials would be visiting A&N Islands to make a thorough assessment of the damage caused by the disaster, and initiate measures for the protection and well being of all the tribal communities. The Ministry is in a process of finalising a relief package to assist the primitive tribes. The package shall be announced soon as per the assessment of the requirements of different tribes.
|
