Key challenges

Brothers, Asokan, 22 and Praveen, 20 used to be coolies (labourers) on a fishing boat. Now they own their own boat provided by Caritas India and make more money. [Noel Gavin]

Tackling shelter, destruction of livelihoods, education, healthcare, and water

Shelter: Thousands of houses were completely destroyed or damaged by the tsunami in the south, and by the earthquake in the north.

The majority of people affected by the tsunami are now living in new homes, hundreds of families are still living in temporary accommodation in the Kashmir region.

Destruction of livelihoods: The tsunami water-logged agricultural land and destroyed equipment for thousands of businesses such as fishing boats, sewing machines and stock for small shops.

In Kashmir, much of the agricultural land was damaged due to land slides and soil erosion has affected the fertility of the soil.

Education: Schools in Kashmir were badly damaged by the earthquake, classes are held in temporary sheds and tents. In the south, many schools were destroyed in the tsunami leaving thousands of children without access to education.

Healthcare: Access to health care is poor in Kashmir, especially for pregnant women and children. Many people were severely traumatised following the tsunami and the earthquake so the demand for medical and social care is high.

Water: Many springs collapsed during the earthquake cutting off drinking-water supplies for many families in Kashmir. Some families now have to walk 5km to access water.

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