Colachel (Tamil Nadu), June 30 (IANS) Coca-Cola and the Red Cross Society Monday handed over 41 houses built in the port town of Colachel in Tamil Nadu to families affected by the 2004 tsunami disaster. Coca-Cola had initiated a series of reconstruction and livelihood projects across Tamil Nadu as a part of the rehabilitation initiative for victims on the eastern coast of the state.

In the last four years of reconstruction, the cola company has successfully completed two livelihood projects - the Cuddalore dockyard project benefiting 200 fishing families, and the Velankanni Vidiaylai Noki initiative helping 85 families.

A fourth project in the Mahabalipuran coast, that will help 40 fishing families, is also underway. The Colachel housing project is the third major disaster relief project in the state.

The company has contributed Rs.10 million towards the housing project while the state government contributed Rs.1 million and provided roads, power and other infrastructure.

“It is heartening to see companies like Coca-Cola along with partners like Red Cross coming forward and launching projects to support tsunami - affected families in Tamil Nadu,” state Tourism Development Minister Suresh Rajan said at the handing over ceremony.

“Initiatives like housing projects and livelihood programmes make a big difference in the rehabilitation process of the affected families,” he said.

Deepak Jolly, vice president of Coca-Cola, India, said: “At Coca-Cola, we believe that businesses thrive only amidst sustainable communities.”

“Our focus will continue to be on projects which further improve the overall standard of living among communities where we operate.”

On December 26, 2004, a underwater earthquake triggered a series of huge tidal waves, called tsunamis, affecting almost all landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean. Tens of thousands were killed in 11 countries while many thousands more were rendered homelesss.