People Thank Frontline Workers For Their Help & Services During & After Cyclone Nivar
Last night, after cyclone Nivar made landfall near Puducherry, wind and heavy rain battered in several areas, including Puducherry, Cuddalore and Chennai. Soon after IMD had issued a cyclone warning, thousands of people had to be evacuated from low-lying areas to steer them out of harm¡¯s way.
Stay Indoors guys!!#CycloneNivar #NivarUpdate #CycloneNivarUpdate pic.twitter.com/fm51Y46iDb
— Project Kollywood (@ProjectKollywo2) November 26, 2020
When it arrived, the cyclone uprooted trees and power lines, claiming at least three lives. Now, it seems, things are beginning to get a little better and restoration work is in progress. Amid this disaster, there were several people working in some of the most challenging and difficult situations imaginable, to make sure other people are safe and damage is minimal.
Now, there is an outpouring of gratitude for frontline workers, who have been working relentlessly, come hail or high waters, to provide essential services like arranging food, clearing trees, helping evacuation, and providing COVID-19 support.
Time to thank these men and women for all that they do for us- be it during pandemic or natural calamity.
— Shabbir Ahmed (@Ahmedshabbir20) November 26, 2020
Thousands of workers across the State have been working overtime to keep us safe.
This man tells me... ??? ???? ??? ???? ? #CycloneNivar #CycloneNivarUpdate pic.twitter.com/jRuXT2QyV0
Thank you @chennaipolice_ led by @copmahesh1994 for your hard word & dedication during #CycloneNivar @nkannanips@ipspolicetn @ips_sudhakar @shashanksaiIPS @DCP_Adyar @dcptnagar From a grateful citizen.
— Sanjay Pinto (@Sanjay_Pinto) November 26, 2020
A conservancy worker unmindful of knee-deep water in Ram Nagar, Velachery, collected garbage from houses to prevent contamination. Hats off to his dedication! @Chennaicorp #CycleNivarUpdates #SpiritofChennai @RudhranJourno pic.twitter.com/nyzpylEJc7
— DT Next (@dt_next) November 26, 2020
That's how efficiently the Team from @chennaicorp has been tackling Nivar !
— Aditi Madhusudhan (@AditiMadhusudh2) November 26, 2020
Kudos to our Civic Bodies ?? https://t.co/T3fsVSJNWM
This picture needs no explanation! If you think and glorify your profession that you¡¯re the only one working today #CycloneNivar @chennaicorp pic.twitter.com/1pbFqBPsfU
— Dr Maran (@drmaran) November 26, 2020
Puducherry: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel clear uprooted trees in Kamaraj Nagar area#CycloneNivar pic.twitter.com/OcNNmPCL9l
— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2020
Bravo Chennai Police ..salute to your spirit of service and duty ?? pic - Chennai Police #CycloneNivar #Chennaipolice pic.twitter.com/SfNzw7c7XQ
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) November 25, 2020
People from the affected areas as well as those from other parts of the country are lauding their dedication and courage in the face of such a humongous challenge.
Also read: COVID-19 Warrior Doctor From MP Dies As He Couldn't Get Lung Transplant Due To Cyclone Nivar
However, there were also concerns that these frontline workers were not given proper equipment and means to protect themselves, even though they had to work through winds and rain.
#Sanitation workers sent by #Tiruchy Corporation were seen clearing trees off roads amid rain in #Cuddalore on Wed. Many of them enquired for shops nearby to purchase raincoat, but most shops were closed due to #Nivar. #exploitation #sanitationworkers @xpresstn pic.twitter.com/4oC3gfB5CJ
— Nirupa Sampath (@NirupaSampath) November 25, 2020
According to the New Indian Express, Cuddalore and Villupuram sanitation workers did not have raincoats or gloves; they tried to purchase raincoats on their own, but most shops were shut due to the cyclone.
¡°We get raincoats from the municipality, but not every year. Mostly it's worn out in a few months. We were not given raincoats or gloves particularly for the cyclone and it is impossible to hold an umbrella and work. Over the years, we have become used to working in the rain,¡± NIE quoted one sanitation worker worker as saying.
Another worker also said that they were asked to purchase gloves on their own, which they cannot necessarily afford.
It is not only shameful, but heartbreaking that people who are out and about when no one wants to leave the comfort of their shelter, do not even have basic equipment. The authorities have said they would look into the matter and provide the necessary protective equipment to workers; let us hope these are not just empty words.
Also read: Amid Cyclone Nivar Threat, Chennai People Open Their Doors For Stray Dogs To Take Shelter
