Tamil community to take stock of TN flood situation

A gathering of 200 expats is expected today as Indians brainstorm ways to help out those who have been affected by the flood back home. 

The Tamil community in Bahrain is expected to discuss ways to help the distressed people who have been affected by the flood in Tamil Nadu state in India. 

Community members said that they were shocked over the disaster that affected various parts of Chennai. 

The death toll in Tamil Nadu reached 188 as heavy rains relented. Indian media has reported that 11 boats, including landing craft, 20 divers, disaster and medical relief bricks on INS Airavat, rushed to Chennai to augment relief.

Speaking to DT News, Tamil Social and Cultural Association President Ratna Raj said the organisation would be holding a meeting with the community members on its premises. 

“We will hold this meeting to discuss ideas on how we can help those who are suffering. The flood is getting worse by the minute, even the airport was closed. People are suffering without food and facilities. I have heard that many Bahrain residents have their families or friends in India who have been affected by the flood.  We will find out at tomorrow’s meeting which of these are rumours and which are true. Close to 200 people are expected to attend the meeting.” 

Jaishankar Muthuswami, another expat, expressed his concern: “I am not from Chennai, but my son has joined a college there. I am very concerned because it seems that there is no sign of end to this rain.”

Speaking about the Tamil community in Bahrain, he said:  “We are active and always exchanging whatever information we have. We are ready to help one another.” 

Sadasivam Raju, a businessman from Tamil Nadu, said: “The situation has gotten worse, they are in an extremely difficult situation. People are suffering without basic necessities, it is a very sad situation. One of my friend’s parents are in their apartment unable to go anywhere because the flood has engulfed most of the building. They are without the basic necessities.” 

Mithun Vivekanandan, another expat, said that he had not heard anything from his friends in Chennai since the past one week.

“I heard from them a week ago and they were complaining about the weather,” he said, adding, “we had invested in real estate there and we heard that it was ruined by the flood”.

Tamil Muslim Cultural Centre Coordinator Nizammudin Alaudhin said that the members of the community reported that their families and friends were safe in Tamil Nadu.

 “Most people in our society come from cities other than Chennai, so they were not affected. But, we are in touch with the other communities in Bahrain and we are doing our best to help them and their relatives affected by the flood,” he said.