The government still hasn't purchased the land yet for building permanent housing, even though the NGOs are ready to go with funding.

They don't own fishing boats or land but often work as workers on others' land.

People have been particularly affected because of the salt water flooding the farmlands, which has left them unable to produce crops. They lost their livelihood even though they may not necessarily have lost their homes.

In Chennai we were given a rosier view of the situation compared to what we actually saw.

When you see people happy and content with so little after they've lost so much, who can still find meaning and purpose, it makes our lives seem shallow sometimes. The children especially were always smiling. It was heartwarming to see; it gives you a whole new perspective.

Our goal is to see that they are protected on native land.