Rain is the conqueror, the equaliser. Chennai has been hit hard, and though Chennai is fighting, that which isn’t flooded is damp with tears. Over 4,00,000 people displaced. Millions of heart-wrenching stories. At the time of publishing, 450 elderly citizens are waiting in an old age home in Parantiputhur. Many of them bedridden, all of them hungry. Surrounded by 2.5 kilometers of water. Without water to wash. It’s a humbling, shaming day. A day without dignity. A day of utter pain.
“Thank you ma, thank you,” the man at the other end says. I’ve assured him that help is on the way. It’s been two hours since we spoke, and help is still on the way. This is not the time to reflect, but to brace ourselves for what the next four days will bring. For the power cuts, for grief and death, stagnant water, disease and distress.
Twitter is alive with common, precious humanity. But, already, here’s the rub. Helplines, almost all helplines, are constantly busy. Some have no network. Some of those needing help no longer have network.
No network. No internet. Lets get on to d roads n do our best.
— RJ Balaji (@RJ_Balaji) December 2, 2015
We’ll know soon enough how much technology helped, and how we could have used it differently. Because helplines are still one person at a time. And the number of stranded people is in thousands. And once power cuts take over, and batteries run out, we’ll have to be more inventive in how we reach out.
#Chennai has been declared disaster zones. Army has been deployed. Army Helpline is now open Call – +968 9445 3915 #ChennaiFloods
— Säräth Smärt (@sarathvijayfan) December 2, 2015
Unfortunately for those praying for a letup and a sunny day tomorrow, the rain isn’t stopping anytime soon.
The next wave is getting here soon to #Kilkattalai #ChennaiRains pic.twitter.com/ryeS9AjHbw — Kabaleeshwaran (@anantha) December 2, 2015
Disaster relief forces are rushing into the city, even as local doctors make themselves available over phone:
#ChennaiFloods 11 boats incl Landing Craft + 20 divers, Disaster & Medical relief bricks on Airavat rushed to Chennai to augument Relief — Captain DK Sharma (@CaptDKS) December 2, 2015
Meanwhile, as expected, all flights have been cancelled, tickets refunded, and travel out of the city, nearly impossible.
Chennai airport shut, train services hit as heavy rains continue.In pic General Patters Rd- https://t.co/9Gv6WHmZwL pic.twitter.com/fzHbVfZD86
— Chennai Connect (@ChennaiConnect) December 2, 2015
Planes grounded at Chennai airport Pic via @vijaythehindu pic.twitter.com/zvEeOjGxBf — Malini Parthasarathy (@MaliniP) December 2, 2015
There’s likely to be massive power problems soon, and phone connectivity may be nonexistent. But for now, there’s some relief as telecom companies make it a little easier for people to survive.
Due to #ChennaiFloods, there will be no charges on BSNL bills for one week in Chennai starting today: RS Prasad, Telecom Min — ANI (@ANI_news) December 2, 2015
In the wake of #ChennaiFloods , we’re taking the following measures to facilitate constant & seamless communication. pic.twitter.com/acEU19REpT — airtel India (@airtelindia) December 2, 2015
And, rescue efforts continue:
#ChennaiFloods INS Airavat wth 6 integral boats, 20 divers, equipment off 2 Chennai 4m vizag 2 rech 2mrw @TheHindupic.twitter.com/wrxiQqyLy6 — Dinakar Peri (@dperi84) December 2, 2015
We will continue to help with rescue & relief in Chennai: Vice Admiral Soni, Easter Naval Command #ChennaiFloods pic.twitter.com/YKgCPu7UXj — ANI (@ANI_news) December 2, 2015
We don’t know when this standstill will end. But Chennai is still standing. Albeit shakily.
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Feature Image Courtesy: PTI
