Sleepless nights for UAE expats from Kerala

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Sleepless nights for UAE expats from Kerala

Abu Dhabi - UAE-based expats from the state are shaken by the scary and unbelievable developments back home.

by

Ashwani Kumar

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Published: Sat 18 Aug 2018, 11:53 PM

Life has come to a standstill in the south Indian state of Kerala. Floods, landslides and heavy rain have consumed hundreds of lives. Cries of help echoes from all corners of the state and relief operations continue on a war-footing.
However, there is no respite in sight as thousands of families with infants and elderly people remain stranded at rooftops of multi-storied homes with no contact with the outside world.
And the UAE-based expats from the state are shaken by the scary and unbelievable developments back home. Abu Dhabi resident Rajesh Kumar is one among them.
"I am from Kuttanad area in Alappuzha district and there are flash floods in my place. I couldn't connect with my family for more than a day now. My parents, wife and daughter were on terrace during our last phone conversation on Wednesday. I have learnt from my friends in the area that many houses are submerged. Those friends have already moved to upper areas. I am all prayers and hopeful that someone has rescued my family," said the engineer at a private sector firm.
B. Manikandan, who hails from Palakkad district, is worried as his aged mother is alone back home.
"My father passed away when I was a child. My mother is not keeping well for a few years. There was a landslide in our area. I couldn't reach her over phone since yesterday (Thursday). I watch Malayalam news channels all the time in hope that any reporter will talk about my place or I will get to see face of my mother. This is the worst situation to handle for any son. I am trying to get leave but this is going to be hard with the position my company is in right now. I will take a decision soon on whether to stay here or quit my job," said Manikandan, who works at a shop in Mussafah industrial area of the Capital.
Nancy Joseph is from Idukki district and spending sleepless nights.
"I am in constant touch with my aged parents every few hours. Dams are all open in my area. Situation is very grim and all are nervous. We have scores of deaths in my place. There are landslides and the level of Periyar river is also rising," the Dubai resident said.
Abu Dhabi resident V.G. Shaji had to cancel his daughter's engagement scheduled to be held on Monday.
"My native place, Pandalam in Pathanamthitta district, is badly affected. I had booked a convention centre but had to postpone the engagement," said the Adnoc employee from his hometown.
Shaji said the rescue operation is done through boats and there are many relief camps in his area.
"There is no electricity for last three days. I am charging my mobile phone through my car. Fuel stations are also shut. Totally it is a panic situation. We are keeping fingers crossed and hoping things don't get worse from here. The situation with electricity, road transportation, supplies and fuel has to improve or else it will be disastrous for all," he added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com


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