Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim, Vishal Kumar
When Chengannur’s Dr Sreekumar installed solar panels in his house five years ago, little did he know it would serve as a makeshift refuge centre during the devastating Kerala floods.
The floods had ravaged his neighbourhood, and the administration decided to shut off electricity supply to avoid any untoward incidents. All houses were struck by a blackout, except for Dr Sreekumar’s house. Soon enough, neighbours trooped into his home, to charge their phones and stay connected with the world outside.
Dr Sreekumar and his wife, Lakshmi – also a doctor – recall they had sheltered around five people in their house and over 20 people in their hospital during the floods.
The doctor couple also helped locate people who had no means to connect with the rescuers – their home operating like an SOS centre.
For instance, Dr Sreekumar received a phone call from a man in the Gulf, after his 80-year-old father and elder brother were stuck in their house in Chengannur.
Dr Sreekumar immediately notified the fishermen, who then doubled up as rescue personnel and reached the location to transport the duo to a safer location.
Similarly, the couple also saved several lives by administering first-aid in their hospital.
About 20 persons were given first-aid treatment, and five people were admitted and treated in our hospital.
(With video inputs from Syed Shiyaz Mirza)
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