The unprecedented rain and floods in Kerala and parts of Karnataka have shaken the Indians around the world.
People from that part of the country, preparing for the Asian Games here, are also very much worried but from afar, they can only pray and appeal for help.
India hockey captain P R Sreejesh has his family in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, one of the worst-affected areas. With India’s campaign starting in a couple of days, the team’s goalkeeper is focused on the task but he said he was concerned about the situation back home.
“The roads in our area is blocked and though they have rice, getting vegetables is an issue. It is worse in my wife’s place — Rajakkad in Idukki district. The roads are all blocked there and they are fast running out of provisions. In markets too nothing is available,” Sreejesh described the grim scenario after a practice game against Bangladesh.
Sreejesh appealed to his compatriots to chip in to help the flood-affected people. “This is the moment when we have to show our humane side. But when we try to help them, we need to understand their requirements as well. People normally provide food and clothes but the womenfolk’s requirements are more. We need to make sure they get sanitary pads as well,” said Sreejesh.
S V Sunil, who hails from Kodagu, too was concerned about the situation back home, especially after seeing visuals of house collapses on social media. “My brother and his family are there. They are safe, hopefully, things will improve soon,” he said, appealing for support.