Indian community collects together supplies to help Chennai flood victims

Indian expatriates unite to collect tonnes of blankets, medicines and food to help those affected by the deadly flooding.

Indian residents all over Dubai have donated tonnes of relief supplies for the survivors of the floods in Chennai that killed nearly 300 people. Duncan Chard for the National

DUBAI // Bundles of blankets, food and medicines were stacked up in homes and offices around the emirate as residents rallied to collect relief supplies for the flood-hit southern Indian city of Chennai.

Indian expatriates with family in Chennai said on Saturday that they were overwhelmed at the response to text messages calling for essential items.

The first two batches of goods, totalling more than 1.6 tonnes, were sent as air cargo on Sunday.

“People felt the pain here and were so worried because we were shocked with how people were suffering in Chennai,” said KU Shankari, who runs a computer retail showroom in Bur Dubai.

Within minutes of sending text messages, she received hundreds of phone calls from willing donors.

“When people dropped off supplies you could see the satisfaction on their faces that they could help someone. Our plan started small but my house and office filled up quickly with clothes and food stuff. Some people called from the store to ask exactly what to pick up. In a calamity we have to stand together,” she said.

Mrs Shankari asked office staff to pack separate bundles of toiletries, medicines and non-perishable food items. More than 600kg of supplies was rounded up in less than a day, she said.

About one tonne was dispatched on Sunday from another collection point in Ras Al Khor.

More than 280 people died across Tamil Nadu state after torrential rain on December 1 submerged roads, rail links, neighbourhoods and industrial areas. The army and relief workers rescued people trapped on rooftops after power and communication lines shut down in several areas.

Supplies from Bur Dubai were sent by air cargo to Bangalore and on to Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu. Material from Ras Al Khor was flown from Bangalore to Trichy to reach Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu state.

“Once we check the cargo has safely reached people then we will organise another round,” said Ravichandraan Shankaran, who works in a Dubai hotel.

“We want to first make sure the supplies are distributed to people in need. When we initially sent out messages on Saturday morning there was no response, but between 3-11pm things happened very fast. The calls were non-stop.”

About a dozen people helped Mr Shankaran sort the donated items at a small hall in Ras Al Khor. The men divided biscuits, chocolates and food items from toiletries and medicines into separate cartons.

Across the emirate, residents pulled together to spread the message and inform others. For many it was a way to reach out to people back home.

Buvana Raman, who runs an education business in Dubai, said her in-laws relied on the kindness of neighbours after the elderly couple were stranded in their third floor Chennai apartment.

“They sent down plastic bags attached by ropes and there were guys who would send up fresh water and medicines,” said Ms Raman, among several hundred who contributed material.

Her husband suggested his parents send additional money in the bags so the do-gooders could purchase provisions for others.

“It was sad to see so many stranded. Even if you had money it was no use unless others helped. We were moved to see how neighbours and strangers came together in the spirit of community. Even here in Dubai everyone has pitched in and rallied together.”