KOCHI: As many as 400 Lakshadweep residents are waiting out the storm at the Lakshadweep administration’s guest house in Gandhi Nagar in Kochi. Forced to stay back in the state when Ockhi struck, they are hoping the storm will abate soon, for many of them are strapped for cash. Those stranded in the guest house are mainly from the islands of Amini, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Andrott, Minicoy and Chetlat. Several others who stay in private lodges are finding it hard to pay the rent.
“We do not have money to pay for essential items such as food and water,” said K Alikoya, who is a fisherman and a native of Agatti island. “There is a provision for providing relief money in case the ship is delayed, but we have not received anything so far.” Alikoya added if they are stuck in this situation for a few more days, they will have to find other means to earn a living here.
“Around 40 per cent of the people in the Minicoy and Kalpeni islands depend on fishing and many of them depend on government subsidies for their livelihood. We demand the government provide some relief to them,” said Mohammed Salih, a lawyer and a native of Amini island.Salih is planning to file a writ petition in the Kerala High Court to declare the event as a national calamity.
Salim H K, who does small business in the island, said one of his friend’s boat was capsized. He said all communication systems are down and he is not able to contact his family. Many residents of the island were evacuated and moved to nearby government shelters.“The Lakshadweep Police, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the local people are actively involved in the rescue operations in the islands,” said an officer with the Lakshadweep administration.