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Massive relief and rescue operations mounted by the Government in association with States/UTs are continuing in the Tsunami affected areas. Focus is on establishing communication network, drinking water, restoration of power supply, prevention of outbreak of epidemics and relief & rescue operations in the affected areas of Nicobar Group of Islands where 31 Telephone exchanges have been made operational, 22 satellite phones are functional. Most of the affected islands have been connected with Police Wireless which has enhanced the communication facilities. 40% of the normal power supply has been restored in Port Blair. Medical relief is under continuous surveillance by Ministry of Health. Medical expert team led by DGHS has arrived in Port Blair for networking health efforts. No report of outbreak of epidemics has been received so far.
The situation in various islands in Andaman district is stabilizing rapidly and life is returning to normalcy except little Andaman, which was worst affected in Andaman District. Situation is improving in other islands. Water supply has been restored at Katchal and Kamorta islands.
1362 personnel of Central Para Military Forces (additional 58 BSF personnel are on way) including specialists Search and Rescue Teams; 80 Doctors and 20 nurses of Central Institutions are deployed in various Islands besides the efforts of Armed Forces.
Rs. 250 crore to Tamil Nadu, Rs. 100 crore each to AP and Kerala have been provided from NCCF. Separately Rs. 35 crore to Pondicherry and Rs. 100 crore to A&N Islands has been given. An Integrated Relief Command (IRC) for the Andaman & Nicobar Groups of Islands has become operational. Three Central Teams under overall supervision of Secretary (BM), Ministry of Home Affairs are leaving between 4th to 6th January 2005 to visit Tamil Nadu , AP and Kerala for assessment.
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