India expats in UAE tell of shock and grief following temple blast

Keralites have spoken of losing friends and neighbours and having property damaged after the explosion and fire that left more than 100 people dead.

Indian bystanders and relatives gather near a banner announcing a help desk for the queries of relatives of injured or deceased victims of the Puttingal Devi Temple fire trajedy in front of the casualShow more

ABU DHABI // The expatriate Kerala community in the UAE is in shock after the temple blast that killed more than 100 people in their home state on Sunday morning.

Keralites spoke of losing friends and neighbours and having property damaged after the explosion and fire caused by fireworks intended to be used to celebrate the Hindu new year.

Some UAE residents whose homes are near the 500-year-old Puttingal Devi temple, in Paravur, said their families had been at the venue but left only half an hour before the explosion occurred. They said their families had a lucky escape but nine others from their neighbourhood were among the 109 who died, while 380 were injured.

Madu Paravoor, a purchasing manager who has lived in Abu Dhabi for 10 years, said that eight people from his neighbourhood, Kurumangal, died.

“My family was there but they left the venue and escaped unhurt, but our eight neighbours, who were family friends, died in the incident,” said Mr Paravoor, whose home is 1.5 kilometres from the temple.

“I was shocked to hear this on Sunday and frightened when I called my wife and son, and ­neither replied. This is the saddest time for us. We have not witnessed such a huge loss of life at one time.”

Ajeeb Paravoor, an engineer in Abu Dhabi for 23 years, said: “One of my close friends died in the incident and another three were injured. Thank God my family had just returned home.”

A Fujairah resident from Kerala, Prem Jith, said the explosion shattered glass in his home.

“My house is just 50 metres from the temple,” he said.

Donations have begun flowing in for the victims of the explosion and fire, with LuLu Group giving 100,000 Indian rupees (Dh5,530) to each of the victims’ families and 50,000 ­rupees to each of the injured.

Yusuffali M A, the chairman of Lulu Group, said: “I am deeply saddened and grieved beyond words by today’s tragic accident in Kollam. My prayers and heartfelt condolences are with the bereaved families.

“I know nothing can bring back what has been lost but, as a humble effort to show my support in this hour of need, I have decided to give 100,000 to each family of the deceased and 50,000 to those injured.”

An interim 15 million rupees will be handed over to the Kollam district collector today.

“I am sure Keralites all over the world will unite and support with all their might,” Mr Yusuffali said.

Sheikh Abu Backer Ahamed, president of the Kerala Muslim Jamaat, said: “Temple Paravur in Kollam district, where the fireworks accident caused the deaths, should be declared a national calamity.”

Another Abu Dhabi resident, Muneer Paandiyala, urged the Indian government to take control of large firework events, which can damage the environment.

“Such a huge loss of our fellow citizens is deeply saddening,” he said.