Photo Essay
Twenty years ago today, the Indian Ocean Tsunami took more than 227,000 lives in the region across 14 countries. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Amritapuri Ashram was among the areas hit.
Amma immediately led emergency response which then transformed into long-term recovery to help survivors rebuild their lives. Today the humanitarian work stands as one of the most multi-faceted, comprehensive, and sustained disaster relief projects ever undertaken by a non-governmental organisation.
At the end of 2006, the efforts came to $46 million (₹200 crore), alongside volunteer hours that cannot be counted. Many of the people who received support stated that in terms of their quality of life and economic independence, they were better off after the tragedy than they had been before.
What made the initiative unique was its holistic nature—every aspect of the tsunami survivors’ lives was considered and improved. People across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman Islands and Sri Lanka were reached. This included basic needs, shelter, counselling, new homes, skills training, and more.
After the tsunami, Amma was asked by a journalist what made this possible. Amma replied “love”.
“There are two types of poverty in our world. Material poverty and the poverty of love and compassion. If love and compassion are awakened, then the other kind of poverty is also relieved,” Amma explained.
“I don’t lay any claims to having done anything. It is my children who have made all this possible. My children are my wealth; they are my strength.”
Transforming survivors in the immediate aftermath
Rescue and relief operations instantly began as the waves rushed towards our headquarters in Amritapuri. Through Amma’s compassionate and practical leadership, we came to the aid of survivors with evacuation, medical care, food, and shelter. We also offered emotional support to people who lost their homes and loved ones. Over the course of months, our teams supported more than 30,000 people in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Over 20,000 people immediately evacuated to the mainland from Amritapuri Ashram and its surrounding villages.
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Medical teams in 12 ambulances travelled throughout Kerala and Tamil Nadu to provide intensive care to villages and relief camps. 2,000 patients in the first 48 hours.
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Amma continues to comfort survivors.
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10,000 meals three times a day at 12 relief camps and 22 food counters along the Alappad, Kerala coastline. 9 temporary shelters on Ashram land—with electricity, ceiling fans, and separate bathrooms.
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Medical aid, food, and clothing for 9,500 survivors in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. As well, 7 relief camps with shelter for 100 families there.
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Supporting bereaved families with traditional funeral rites.
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Teams of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers to address deep psychological trauma.
Rebuilding Lives with Community Resilience
Construction of more than 6,200 homes for survivors in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, the Andaman Islands, and Sri Lanka.
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Creative therapy sessions for 10,000 children to recover from mental and emotional trauma, including swimming lessons.
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700 new fishing boats providing income for 4,900 families.
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Education and vocational training to 2,500 young people.
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Start of self-help groups for women to establish businesses not reliant on weather. Today Amrita SREE has more than 2.5 million members.
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A bridge connecting Amritapuri Ashram to the mainland that can evacuate 15,000 people in less than 30 minutes. Amma initiated the construction.
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Fallopian tube recanalisation for 6 women who lost their children. All gave birth—3 had twins.
