4 January 2005:
Tsunami Relief team surveys damage in Batticaloa district

Left: Damage to Gurukkalmadam Murugan Kovil was minor, but many died nearby. Right: Over a hundred homes in Onthachchimadam were damaged or destroyed.

Two views of Śrī Vinayagar Vidyalayam, Onthachchimadam, destroyed by the tsunami. Fortunately, the disaster occurred during school vacation, yet one teacher and one student died.

The causeway connecting Onthachchimadam (this side) with Kallaru (that side) was completely washed out.

The Ganapati Temple next to the Onthachchimadam causeway, where Kataragama Pada Yatra pilgrims used to rest, was completely washed away and no longer exists.

View of Onthachchimadam estuary embankment after the tsunami. One woman was caught by the tsunami as she was crossing the causeway.

27 died when this elder's home on Onthachchimadam beach was obliterated. No one escaped."

Destruction to homes over 200 meters from the shore at Onthachchimadam.

Most inhabitants lost everything and are now living in refugee camps. A few were fortunate to have something left to call 'home'.

The Bhadra Kali Amman Kovil on the beach at Onthachchimadam was destroyed, but the vigraha was saved by the priests.

The Bhadra Kali Amman Kovil on the beach at Onthachchimadam was destroyed.

Living Heritage Disaster Relief Director Patrick Harrigan took these photos at Onthachchimadam in Batticaloa district on Sri Lanka's east coast on 4 January 2005. His report and more photos will be published in another day or two. Please visit this site for daily updates.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO LIVING HERITAGE DISASTER RELIEF

Living Heritage volunteers appeal to people everywhere to contribute material support to onging disaster relief efforts in Sri Lanka. Immediate donations of dry goods and clothing are needed in Colombo, as well as financial donations are urgently needed to help families to get back on their feet.

If you wish to contribute to relief efforts that will go directly to Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara districts of Sri Lanka, contact Living Heritage Disaster Relief Director Patrick Harrigan at admin@anathi.org or cellular no. +94773184484.

Relief items (clothing and dry rations, etc.) should be delivered (locally) to:

Financial donations may be sent as follows:

Volunteers needed!
Living Heritage Trust Tsunami Disaster Relief report from Galle
Tsunami Disaster Relief reaches Trincomalee district

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