American Telugu group announces US $100,000 for cyclone relief efforts

The Telugu Association of North America (TANA), the largest Telugu organisation outside India, will contribute US $100,000 for relief efforts for the victims of the cyclone Hudhud that has wrecked havoc in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

TANA President Mohan Nannapaneni expressed concern over the loss of lives and damage caused by the cyclone and said the organisation intends to help with rescue and rehabilitation, immediate relief for displaced and effected people and assist with long term rebuilding measures.

Given that Andhra Pradesh has recently started building the infrastructure for a capital, Nannapaneni said the catastrophe has dealt a severe blow to various developmental activities in the state.

TANA officials said that following an initial contribution of US $100,000, they will try to raise more funds for the relief efforts.

The organisation has in the past built more than 800 permanent homes for flood and cyclone victims in Kurnool, Krishna and Prakasam Districts.

Altogether, it has contributed more than USD 40 million for various service and developmental activities in undivided Andhra Pradesh.

Nannapaneni and TANA Secretary Satish Vemana would meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to hand over the cheque.

TANA leadership requested the diaspora, particularly people of Telugu origin, to contribute generously for the cause. TANA said it would match the contributions from individual donations.