More than 1,400 tsunami affected families in Andhra Pradesh have moved into their new homes, marking the completion of tsunami operations in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

World Vision constructed 2,304 houses in Singarayakonda, Narsapur, and Machilipattinam, with the final homes handed over to communities this week.

World Vision also handed over 10 multipurpose shelters and five preschools.

Each community multipurpose shelter has two floors and houses five spacious rooms. "We are planning to provide the multipurpose shelters with television sets and computers with internet facilities so that people will utilise information technology to further their businesses, or find information on fishing. This facility will also be useful to the youth to look for job openings and also market their products online," said L R Joshi, Group Executive, Field Ministries, World Vision India.

"Today is a special day for these families as they begin a new chapter in their lives as empowered citizens," said Subbarayudu, Member of Legislative Assembly, Narsapur as he received the keys to the homes.

Almost every family lived in thatched shelters without bathrooms prior to the tsunami.

"Andhra Pradesh is notorious for its cyclones that destroy businesses and houses. With these houses in place, people will no longer have to worry," said Rajasekhar Reddy, Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, Andhra Pradesh.

Tsunami operations in Andhra Pradesh have now been completed. World Vision also provided fishing boats, nets, ice boxes, diesel engines, auto rickshaws, petty shops, and other livelihood recovery interventions in Andhra Pradesh. World Vision will continue to monitor projects through the organisation's development office in Andhra Pradesh.