Majority of mobile service have affected and the only mode of communication available is BSNL landline
People shift from a waterlogged locality following heavy rains in Chennai (Photo: PTI)
BENGALURU: Due to a record century old downpour in Chennai, communication among the citizens and between several industries including IT has become a grave concern as communication networks have snapped. Majority of mobile service have affected and the only mode of communication available is BSNL landline.
Meanwhile, social media has been playing a tremendous role in help in communication, relief and rehabilitation measures.
Over the past few days, people who stay away from home have used Facebook as a mode of communication to get in touch with their near and dear ones.
Individuals and NGOs have also resorted to the use of social media to gather volunteers for the distribution of food, water and medicines to the affected areas.
Organizations such as the ‘Blue Cross of India’ and other entertainment pages like ‘The Logical Indian’ and ‘Chennai Memes’ among others have been using their online platform to connect those in distress and need with the necessary resources.
“I was unable to get in touch with my mother who stays in Kotturpuram, one of the areas most affected due to the floods. After exhausting all possible options as a last resort, I posted my dilemma as my status, and one of my online friends was able to visit the area. It was a huge relief when I could finally talk to her,” said Lavanya, a student of Manipal University.
Doctors are also on the run along with individual volunteers to reach patients with medical emergencies in the flood hit areas. Another great relief reaching distressed people are the flood maps.
A group of people sourced initiative to mark inundated roads in Chennai has been advising citizens on the flood-hit areas and safe road-routes to travel.
Restaurants, movie theatres and malls have also been using their Twitter and Instagram handles to reach out to those in need and provide food and accommodation within its premises.
However, the most attractive phenomenon continues to remain that people have opened their doors to strangers living in the affected areas without concern for social, religious and cultural backgrounds.
— With inputs from Neha Nandakumar and Kavita Mallya
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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