By Iris Siew First shipment to the Maldives – Distribution in Guraidhoo Island, South Malé Atoll - considered among the “worst damaged” island by the UN and Maldivian Government. CRS team did an initial survey in early January. Date: 14 to 21 February 2005 Team members: Lim Eng Hoe, Team leader James Teo Leslie Chiang Iris Siew Objectives: 1) Deliver and distribute relief family packs consisting of: • Double-burner gas cooker • Kitchenware such as knives, ladles, scoops, cups, tumblers, jugs, bowls, plates and aluminum pots • Toothbrush and toothpaste for adults and children 2) Conduct needs assessment at other affected locations 3) Maintain good working relations with the Maldivian National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)

Guraidhoo in January

Guraidhoo in January

Guraidhoo in January

Kitchen in Ruins

Temporary Housing

Interior

Interior

Rebuilding Homes

Arrival of Relief Items
Our first shipment of cookers and kitchenware for the 200 households on Guraidhoo island was consigned to the Maldivian National Disaster Management Centre. It left Singapore just before the Chinese New Year holidays and took about 7 days to arrive at Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

A team of 6 CRS volunteers flew to the Maldives in mid-February to ensure the cargo is delivered and distributed to the tsunami-affected people of Guraidhoo.

CRS considers it a privilege to be allowed to work so closely with the NDMC. The customs clearance was smooth, tax exemption is hassle-free and transporting the goods to the island was expedited for our team to be present during distribution on the island. Our Deepest Appreciation to the NDMC, Ministry of Defence and National Security, and Maldivian National Shipping Ltd for waiver of most freight charges!

In Guraidhoo, the Island and Atoll Chiefs and their highly capable staff did an excellent job of safekeeping the cargo until the day of distribution. They also did very well in the preparation and allocation of the relief supplies. A record of each of the 200 tsunami-affected households was given to us to account for the items. Each household was allocated relief items based on their family size; hence, the supplies were evenly and fairly distributed to every household.

	Some of the items distributed in Guraidhoo	The vessels with our goods	Landing craft at Guraidhoo
	Meeting at Malé Atoll Guraidhoo Office	Forming collection station for cooking pots	Crowds queues outside office

Distribution Begins…
Distribution on 21 February was very well managed and coordinated by the Malé Atoll Guraidhoo Office staff. Stations were formed for each item in the courtyard of the Guraidhoo office. Each household was given a ration card, listing the quantity of each relief item to be received.

The distribution started about 1pm. A large crowd turned up and took shelter from the hot sun under some trees. They came with their family members and wheelbarrows to collect the goods. A queue number was given to each household who patiently waited for their turn to go round each station to receive the items from the administration staff. The distribution was orderly and successful!

Children waiting for their collection	Ration card	Guraidhoo officials distribute according to ration card	Before...
...after	Team member, Eng Hoe	Leslie	James & Iris

Task Complete!