In Thoothukudi, it was proved once again that the religion of humanity transcends every other religion which was seen when people of different communities went to save each other in times of disaster and maintain communal harmony. They took sojourns at various places including churches, mosques and temples, and other community halls on Sunday.

In Authoor, Christians and Hindus took refuge at Jummah Palli Masjid to survive the floods.

“Over 25 Hindu families among 100 others, took shelter at the mosque. We had let in all those who were searching for safe places,” Sheik Badrudin, a member of the masjid, told TNIE.

A couple, Esakimuthu and Arumugakani, who stayed in the masjid said that they were provided food and tea for four days. Their house had collapsed in the heavy rains which lasted for almost a week.

Whereas in Vadakku Authoor, Banumathi, a mother-of-two, offered her rented house as a sojourn to 26 people and supplied food for six days.

“I had bought some rice and groceries required for one month for my family on Sunday. But, it was enough to cook food for those who stayed at my place. Though we had sufficient food, we did not have water,” said Banumathi.

“The major problem we faced was the lack of enough toilets. There were at least 10 children who suffered a lot due to the lack of bathrooms. When the water receded to 3 feet from 15 feet, the children were taken outside,” she added.

Meanwhile, another couple, Periyasamy-Kani, who stayed at Banumathi’s house, said they had not known her earlier, but the compassion shown by the family was amazing. The couple were caught in the flood during a visit to their relatives’ house last Sunday.

This instance comes itself though as a disaster but with many lessons too. The structure and functions of disaster management should be well-equipped and should be functional properly in every region of the country. Regions with remote access or disaster-prone areas should be ready with emergency steps as well.

Further, it also delivers this message that humanity on this planet is supreme to everything and over anything else. Communal conflicts are sidelined and what matters at the end is the intent. Thus, disaster or crisis are not crisis till the time you lack adequate support to tackle them all.

.    .    .

Reference:

• newsindianexpress.com
• thebrighterworld.com