tsunami relief - Global Uplift reconstruction of Akkaraipettai, Tamilnadu, India

Reconstruction Akkaraipettai, India - March, 2005

At the end of February, the government of Tamil Nadu published some "Guidelines for Reconstruction" of permanent housing for the tsunami stricken areas of the state. Using these guides, we are laying out preliminary floorplans and site plans, and are working on the structural engineering and material considerations to ensure that housing built by Global Uplift is the best and most efficent use of available resources. A community of 50 houses will be built for Akkaraipettai fishing families, on land designated by government planners. We are working to identify a site close enough to the fishing fleet access, while still providing reasonable protection from potential future hazards of tsunamis, cyclones and earthquakes.

Over the course of gathering information about tsunami-affected communities, and Akkaraipettai in particular, I met online a group of volunteers working in this village with their group Tsunami Assistance Project ( tapindia.org). This small dedicated group is working directly with those in greatest needs while focusing on what is really required in the future to allow people to help themselves to restart their community. Such assistance goes far beyond just giving and hoping. They are implementing some housing solutions to bridge the gap between temporary structures and permanent housing by building communities of structures designed and located to facilitate resuming the fishing livelihood for as many people as their funds afford. I have gained insight into the local needs, and am looking forward to meeting some of the volunteers in our visit in June and July. Photos below, courtesy of Kevin Griffith of TAP help explain the simple needs of a proud community of fishing families that are rebuilding their houses and lives with an eye toward the future.


Thatch house in Akkaraipettai	Tile roof structure in Akkaraipettai	Three story apartments in Akkaraipattai	Existing water line

Following local needs, government guidelines, and funds available, we are planning living units clustered in a group for fifty families. I encourage you to review the proposals below, and to provide feedback to me to help in designing the best community possible.

Click images or links below to see more detail

Preliminary site layout for 50 permanent houses and Community Center	3D perspective of 5-unit cluster on Akkaraipettai	Single house with inside section details
The community of 50 houses is laid out with two 5-unit clusters surrounding a common area, and five of these 10-unit clusters grouped around an open space with a shared activity hall that may be used for a clinic, or school purpose, or any public event.	View down inside proposed cluster, showing doors, window openings, and areas for living, bedroom, kitchen and toilet.	Plan and Elevation view of typical family unit measuring approximately 5 by 6 meters (a bit over 300 square feet).