My heart goes out to southern Indians affected by the floods

Our readers have their say about the Kerala floods, veganism and Zaha Hadid

Indian military personnel conducting rescue operations in the flood affected areas in Belagavi district in North Karnataka, India. EPA

I write to you in reference to your editorial Tragedy in Kerala has ripple effects globally (August 12).

This piece shed light on the present crisis in Kerala and the suffering of its people, stranded amid the floods.

Kochi airport was shut down due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Flights were cancelled causing a lot of stress for passengers who wished to flee the natural catastrophe unravelling in the southern Indian state.

Kerala is facing its second flooding disaster in two years. The government has warned Keralans to be cautious and stay safe. In the state of Karnataka, where I live, northern cities like Belagavi, Hubli, Dharwad and many others have also been affected by the heavy rainfall. We witnessed preventable loss of human life as well as heavy damages to the infrastructure and housing.

From now on, we must stay prepared for the eventuality of such catastrophes every monsoon season. There is no stopping nature’s fury.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

We must rethink eating habits for the sake of our own planet

I write to you in reference to Shelina Janmohammed's opinion piece Debate over vegan Eid should invite us to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice (August 8).

Having been a vegan from the past three years now, I am a firm believer and outspoken activist for animal rights. There is overwhelming evidence about animal abuse and cruelty in industrial farms. We have a distorted view of food ethics.

We forget that the packaged meat we buy at the supermarket was once a living being, slaughtered for our enjoyment.

We are shocked by the slaughter of dogs for human consumption in certain parts of Asia, yet we find it is acceptable for calves, chicks, and piglets to be slaughtered for food. Animal farming is also a source of pollution as it produces half of the world’s methane – a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

The only way we can truly become better people is by striving to minimise our negative impact on the world – and animals should factor into the equation.

It is our responsibility to reassess our beliefs and change our habits, the future of our planet depends on it.

Prerana Pai, Sharjah

Zaha Hadid’s legacy lives on long after her death

I write to you in reference to Alexandra Chaves's article Zaha Hadid's first and only building in Dubai shortlisted for architecture prize (August 8).

I am happy to see that Zaha Hadid has been nominated for an award, even after her passing.

She truly deserves the best. Her legacy must not be forgotten.

Name withheld by request