Pattukottai residents reach out via social media

Stating that the reports of issues in Nagapattinam and other areas being affected are constantly on the news, K Karthikeyan, a native of a village 10 km from Pattukottai (now residing in Chennai) said on social media, “Pattukottai is a place filled with coconut trees and it is the third largest supplier of coconuts in the country.  However, following Cyclone Gaja, trees have fallen down in lakhs.”

While this has blocked roads and injured residents, the fallen trees have also resulted in no electricity in the area. “The people there get water through borewell connection but because of no current, they have not been able to get water. Not a single government official, or Tahsildar or Village Officer has bothered to visit the area, he claimed.

“No government official – Tahsildar, Village Officer —or anyone has even visited these places. The places affected include Mallipattinam, Adirampattinam, Peravurani and Pallathur – all of which are surrounded by coconut trees. “While food is not a problem, the lack of drinking water is taking a toll on the residents there. Reaching our family members there too has been very challenging as no phone connection, besides JIO works in the affected areas,” he added.

Another resident of the area said, “We have been trying to clear the places on our own. However, it is a great challenge and we need aid. Medical aid is also the need of the hour here.”

Speaking to DT Next, Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan, said, “We will reach out to the District Collector of Thanjavur immediately. We will inform officials to visit the spot.”