Tuesday, January 3, 2012

New Year and Cyclone

The devastated landscape everywhere in Auroville
On the night of December 29th, the cyclone Thane crossed the coast near Pondicherry bringing devastation to Auroville and the surrounding villages.








Electric Wires lying on the ground
Snapped electric posts

The devastation
The beautiful Auroville forest has been flattened by the cyclone; all roads were blocked by massive tree-fall, most Aurovilians were 'prisoners' in their own communities/homes.
It has taken all of 3 days of constant hard work by several tree-cutting/clearing teams to somewhat clear our main routes, but on Monday January 2, work resumed in Shradhanjali (and most other commercial units).
Electrical supply will not be restored for at least 2-3 weeks (electrical poles have snapped like matchsticks or folded over), and water is a big problem.
It is going to take us a long time to limp back to normal (whatever that means).
The forest may take 10 or 15 years to recover from the brutal shock.
We are posting some photos of the massive destruction as well as of our 'trek' to the workshop on 31st December morning.
More than ever we need courage and determination to face the Future!
Wishing you again a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Opening the first roads
Abha trying to find the road
Another person struggling to reach her place of work
The Shradhanjali workshop is in view
The next day
 
Volunteers at work
Clearing the main road

2 comments:

  1. I am deeply pained at the level of devastation caused. The pictures tell the story. But the spirit of Auroville will prevail as usual and one can see the dedicated people already at work....Keshava Murthy

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  2. All the best! Be brave !

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