Disaster Preparedness

The coastal villages of the Pulicat region and surrounding districts face recurring cyclones, flooding, and tidal surges. ATSWA Trust works proactively to strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce long-term vulnerability among Dalit, tribal, and economically marginalized communities across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. With support from ELCA and other institutional partners, the programme focuses on community readiness, risk reduction, and rapid humanitarian response.

Community Disaster Preparedness

ATSWA has trained 1,800+ community members, including youth, women, and village volunteers, in first aid, evacuation protocols, emergency response, and early warning systems. 60 trained Rescue Team members actively support disaster response operations during emergencies. Village Disaster Management Committees and Search & Rescue Teams have been established and linked with local authorities to improve coordination.

Seasonal mock drills are conducted annually before monsoon periods, ensuring readiness during high-risk seasons. These efforts have significantly reduced evacuation time, improved coordination with district administration, and contributed toward a zero-mortality target during major response operations in programme villages.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & Community Resilience

ATSWA’s DRR approach addresses structural vulnerability through participatory village-level planning and long-term resilience strategies. 24 villages have engaged in structured disaster risk reduction planning, strengthening preparedness systems and environmental safeguards.

The programme has empowered 300 adolescents through resilience and leadership training, ensuring youth participation in community planning processes. Additionally, 50 vulnerable families have received livelihood stabilization support to reduce economic shock during crises.

Emergency Relief & Humanitarian Response

In times of crisis, ATSWA activates rapid response mechanisms to ensure food security, shelter, and psychosocial support.

• During the 2021 floods, with support from KNH, 551 families received dry ration kits and emergency tarpaulin.
• During Cyclone Michaung, dry ration support was extended to 700 families through KNH, and 2,000 families through Stichting.
• ELCA-supported interventions provided dry ration assistance to 1,000 tribal and Dalit families.
• Under a CSR partnership with Royal Enfield in Vallakottai, dry ration distribution reached 10,000 families.
• In response to Cyclone Ditwah, ELCA-supported relief assisted 1,200 families with drinking water, dry rations, and health essentials, along with 200 emergency shelter kits. Structured psychosocial support was also provided to 600 adolescents.