Even as the State Government began its relief efforts, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees staying at camps in Pudukkottai district have appealed for help, highlighting the acute shortage of water and food.
Food being provided to inmates of a refugee camp inmates in Pudukkottai on Saturday
Thiruchirapalli:
Around 4,500 refugees reside in three camps located at Lena Vilakku, Thoppukollai and Alianilai. Gaja, which made landfall near Vedaranyam early on Friday, has caused considerable damage to the three camps.
While power supply has been disrupted, basic amenities such as water is scarce. Those staying at the camps have claimed that government officials are neglecting their well-being, instead concentrating on Indian nationals.
Subsequently, around 10 am, few of them recorded videos about their plight and circulated the same on social media. Stating that they did not have any food and water, they appealed for outside help.
While it unclear if the video had reached local officials, a group of youngsters from Tiruchy responded to their emergency call. Around 15 persons led by D Manoj reached the spot with water and food packets. They distributed around 10,000 food packets.
“We have distributed food to each household. Another team are preparing food at Tiruchy and will be reaching here by Sunday,” Manoj said, adding that he has been informed that no officials had bothered to turn up there. The youngsters have also distributed candles, soap, milk powder and dresses to the camp inmates.
Following a video which they circulated on social media, a group of youngsters reached out to them with help on Saturday evening.
Around 4,500 refugees reside in three camps located at Lena Vilakku, Thoppukollai and Alianilai. Gaja, which made landfall near Vedaranyam early on Friday, has caused considerable damage to the three camps.
While power supply has been disrupted, basic amenities such as water is scarce. Those staying at the camps have claimed that government officials are neglecting their well-being, instead concentrating on Indian nationals.
Subsequently, around 10 am, few of them recorded videos about their plight and circulated the same on social media. Stating that they did not have any food and water, they appealed for outside help.
While it unclear if the video had reached local officials, a group of youngsters from Tiruchy responded to their emergency call. Around 15 persons led by D Manoj reached the spot with water and food packets. They distributed around 10,000 food packets.
“We have distributed food to each household. Another team are preparing food at Tiruchy and will be reaching here by Sunday,” Manoj said, adding that he has been informed that no officials had bothered to turn up there. The youngsters have also distributed candles, soap, milk powder and dresses to the camp inmates.