By Manju Swaminathan, Sholinganallur
Despite the recovery in several areas of Chennai following Cyclone Michaung, residents in flood-prone regions such as Velachery, Pallikkaranai, and Chemmancheri are grappling with persistent water stagnation. Faced with a prolonged wait for government relief, proactive residents have undertaken initiatives to aid those stranded for three days, providing essential support in the form of milk, food, and drinking water.
Velachery:
In the wake of Cyclone Michaung, Dr. Ashwin Kumar and his team from the Velachery Malayalee Association sprang into action when a friend sought rescue from floodwaters in Ram Nagar, Velachery. Mobilising a private boat and his driver Justin, they discovered a broader crisis, rescuing stranded residents, including pregnant women, children, and elders. Extending their operations, they provided essentials like water, biscuits, and milk until the situation improved by Friday.
Pallikaranai:
Residents in Pallikaranai, particularly those situated behind Kamakshi Hospital, faced significant challenges during the recent cyclone. While larger communities along the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam radial road garnered media attention, a smaller residential area behind the hospital experienced severe flooding with chest-deep water persisting for over four days. “The government’s response fell short, as neither NDRF boats nor those organised by the state government reached our locality. Despite our frantic attempts, it was only through the efforts of friends who mobilised boats that a few managed to reach us during the prolonged wait. Mr. Veerendra Mathur, a volunteer from Adyar, eventually became aware of our situation and provided essential supplies through Mr. Justin. The question arises: if they could reach us, why couldn’t the authorities?” questions Sharanya, a resident of Kesavan Street in Pallikaranai, who expresses her frustration with the lack of official assistance during their time of need.
Chemmanchery:
Chemmanchery, a rapidly developing urban community along the OMR, is no stranger to flooding. In the aftermath, knee-deep water engulfed our seven-floor apartment building with 24 units on each floor. Despite being from lower-income groups, residents had to navigate flooded roads daily for work. Power was only restored on Thursday night after a week of challenges, including hunger, water scarcity, and pest issues. Gomathi, a resident of Housing Board apartments, expressed gratitude for her employer’s compassionate gesture of sending milk and bread not just for her but for the entire flat during these trying times.
Residents in these flood-prone zones have shown resilience and initiative, offering crucial support to those stranded for days. From Velachery’s proactive efforts led by Ashwin Kumar to the challenges faced by Pallikaranai residents, exemplified by Sharanya’s frustration with official assistance, and finally, Chemmanchery’s ordeal where Gomathi highlights the kindness of her employer during challenging times — these stories underscore the importance of community-driven aid in the face of adversity.
