Ockhi: No News Of 205 Kerala Fishermen,The Grief-Struck Families Have No Xmas Celebration

Amidst the anguish, sadness, and all the dilemmas, Kerala coasts- Poonthura and Vizhinjam had no X’ mas celebration since they are awaiting their dear ones who are yet to return home after heavy cyclone Ockhi hit the state badly.

“There were no stars, no lights. All they want is to strike the names of their kin displayed on the board who are yet to be returned”, reports Manorama Online. Terming it as ‘Ockhi X’mas’, the fishermen in the region appealed government to stall the Xmas celebrations in the state. There were only minor celebrations to attract the tourists. The rescued fishermen conducted a candlelight vigil in Shanghumugham beach, Trivandrum.

Those who returned home celebrated thanksgiving Mass. The sea-bath during the X’mas night, used to be observed in the yesteryears was also not conducted in the region. “The community is heartbroken after the disaster. Most of us remained in the home. As far as we are concerned, all the people in our community irrespective of gender or caste take sea bath on the X’Mas day, but this time we were waiting for our dear ones”, said Sindhu Napolean, who is pursuing MA English in Central University Hyderabad, and is a native of Vizhinjam to The Logical Indian.

The government statistics indicate that 205 people are still stranded in the sea, who are yet to be rescued. The death toll is 74 as per the government reports. Most of the people (24) belong to Trivandrum district.

Kerala government was criticized for the laxity in rescue management when the neighbouring state- Tamil Nadu came out with effective disaster management. The anger was evident in people’s behaviour when stones were pelted at Chief minister’s vehicle.

The Logical Indian is with the fishermen and hopes that the government will take appropriate measures to rescue the fishermen stranded in the sea.