People are being rescued from flood-affected areas in Kochi on Saturday. Efforts are continuing in the south Indian state to rescue thousands of stranded people. - PTI
Abu Dhabi - Many expats hailing from Chengannur shared their anxiety and helplessness caused by the unexpected flash floods
Published: Sat 18 Aug 2018, 10:00 PM
Last updated: Sun 19 Aug 2018, 12:49 AM
South Indian state of Kerala is on the edge. And when Chengannur legislator Saji Cherian broke down saying thousands of people from his constituency are staring at death, he sank many hundreds of hearts in the UAE. The legislator pleaded for food supplies and helicopter rescue to save people stranded on roof tops of many buildings.
Many expats hailing from Chengannur shared their anxiety and helplessness caused by the unexpected flash floods. Chengannur is a municipal town in Alappuzha district and most places are heavily affected.
Jithin Mammen George, who is working in Mussafah area, said: "I have no contact with my family for days. There is no electricity in my place or at most parts of Kerala. I follow Malayalam news channels and getting updates about the place. However, I am not getting any personal information about my family from any contacts.
"We heard what the Chengannur MLA (member of legislative assembly) Saji Cherian has said. Many are trapped in rooftops without food and water. I am hoping that my family would have been rescued and now safe in some relief camp. I don't know any more details," George said.
'Dead bodies stuck in houses'
Robin Joseph, a Dubai resident, said: "It is hard to concentrate on my work. I have heard people have died in their sleep as water rose overnight. People have told me dead bodies might be stuck inside homes. I have aged parents back home. I have no contact with them for days. I don't know what to do as I can't travel to Kochi. The rescue operation is already done and my area is evacuated. There needs to be a mechanism where a phone is made available to those rescued. We are living here in agony waiting for lists from relief camps for those alive. I hope authorities put their acts together and save lives."
Another resident I. Thomas has his children go on vacation. "As there was no food supply, my children have to swim out from their home till main road and carry food on head. They got a 20-kg rice sack and distributed among neighbours too. People need food and water. My 75-year-old mother is also in that home. There are snakes inside many homes. Establishing contact back home is very difficult," Thomas said.
"Rescue operation through boat is difficult in the area. The speed of water flow on road is faster than in river," said Thomas, who works with Adnoc Distribution.
"There was a death in the area. Then one of my relatives and son swam to that home and carried the body on their shoulder. They managed to take the body to a nearby hospital. Burial can't be done as the cemetery in the area is flooded."
Thomas added that he had plans to fly home but Kochi Airport is shut till August 26. "I waited till Friday and cancelled my air ticket. I will try to reach there after a few days." More people shared similar concerns and live in hope that they will be able to talk to their loved ones soon.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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