‘Helplessness inspired me to volunteer’

On December 2, a day after heavy rains pounded the city, I was switching TV channels to know the extent of damage caused by the rains and the resultant floods. Watching the helplessness and plight of those severely affected, I realised that I had to do my bit to help them.

The same day, I went to Sholinganallur along with friends and managed to rescue four people stranded in their home. I also visited Vilivakkam to distribute food to people there. Vyasarpadi in North Chennai and MGR Nagar were all badly affected and needed people to coordinate relief efforts.

Every day, I would leave home at 9 am and return only by 7 pm. Joining hands with friends, I went around the city, finding out what relief measures were required and tried to do the maximum I could.

I stay in Parry’s in North Chennai, which was one of the worst-affected in the city. But I also wit-nessed nature in its worst fury beyond Manali near Puzhal. My parents were scared. They lectured me about the risk I was undertaking every day. However, after a week of volunteering, I decided to stop when I saw food being wasted. There were just too many people.

If you have an experience to share, as an on-field volunteer during Chennai floods, write to us at contact us. dtnext@dt.co.in with a picture. We will feature your story.