The North East monsoon is coming through Chennai, bringing heavy rains to the city. This has an adverse effect on underprivileged populations such as the one in Ramavaram. Because Ramavaram is situated on the river-bed of the (normally trickling) Adyar river, it is more susceptible than other areas to the effects of flooding. The water leads to flooding and spoilage of improperly stored food. In addition, it also has indirect effects with equally profound implications. The working force in the slum depends on the day’s income to feed their families. When the rains come, it becomes impossible for them to find work, as many of them find work outdoors, or on the streets. This leads to the disastrous effects of malnutrition for entire communities.

Following today’s visit (more on this later) we have decided on taking a step to prevent the food shortages in Ramavaram. We held a small meeting today to consider the present needs of the residents and how to best help them. We determined that the best way to help would be to give out food to each family in the slum. This would go a help to mitigate the acute effects of the rains by giving them some food security. Pamela and Vasundhra have taken on the responsibility for this immense task. Currently we are planning to give 2 kilograms of uncooked rice, as well as half a kilogram of toor dhal (pigeon peas) to each household. This would provide some much needed calories and protein to the families. As we go to each house, we will also seek out any cases of diarrhea and fever. Diarrhea can be treated with oral rehydration solution. Cases of fever, which may be due to malaria, need to be immediately referred to a hospital. The incidences of acute diarrhea and malaria both increase sharply during the rainy seasons.

In addition, we have taken another decision to serve cooked curd rice to the families during the Diwali holidays. This will provide us with another chance to provide the residence with a nutritious meal. As stated previously, we are going to be giving clothes away to the residents as well. This will also help some of the acute problems they are facing.

Though food relief may not be considered as a sustainable solution to the problems we see at Ramavaram, its critical that we help our friends in this time of need! We plan to purchase the supplies tomorrow and deliver it Tuesday, as fast as we possibly can. Please contact us if you would able to volunteer or sponsor these projects. We’ll be needing a lot of help!

Photo Credit: The Hindu