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| www.docvenu.com |
Untold Story of Chennai Floods 2015: A Mission of Rescue, Relief, and Recovery
The 2015 Chennai floods remain etched in history as one of the most devastating natural disasters to have struck the city. Triggered by heavy rainfall from the northeast monsoon between November and December, the catastrophe claimed over 500 lives and displaced more than 1.8 million people. The economic impact was staggering, with losses estimated between ₹200 billion (US$2 billion) and ₹1 trillion (US$11 billion), making it one of the costliest disasters of that year.
A Call to Action: Rising to the Challenge
As responsible citizens, we decided to extend our support to Chennai during its most critical hour, both in the acute phase of disaster relief and potentially in the rehabilitation phase. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and through the global initiative Aster Volunteers, we mobilized resources and expertise to provide immediate medical assistance. Although Aster Volunteers had not been formally established in 2015, the spirit of humanitarian service was deeply ingrained in the ethos of Aster DM Healthcare.
At that time, I was serving as the Director of Emergency Medicine at Aster DM Healthcare, coordinating emergency medicine activities across Aster institutions in India, including Aster MIMS Calicut, Aster MIMS Kottakkal, Aster Medcity Kochi, DM WIMS, and Aster CMI Bangalore. The group's CEO, Dr. Harish Pillai, was highly committed to social initiatives, and his proactive leadership enabled us to act swiftly.
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| Dr Harish Pillai |
Initial Challenges: Navigating Chaos and Political Realities
In the initial days, access to Chennai was virtually impossible due to submerged roads and disrupted communication networks. Three days after the flooding began, I managed to contact some of my Emergency Physician (EP) colleagues in Chennai, including Dr. Tausif Thanganvadi, Dr. Sai Surendran, and Dr. Adil. They painted a grim picture—while rescue and relief efforts were reasonably efficient within the metropolitan limits, the outskirts and suburbs of Chennai were in a state of complete neglect. No medical attention was reaching the camps located in these peripheral areas.
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| Dr Tausif Thanganvadi - Renowned EP and well-known Radio Jockey in Chennai, played a pivotal role in Chennai flood relief |
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| On the way to Chennai |
Mobilizing the Medical Relief Team: A Herculean Effort
Recognizing the urgency, we assembled a 48-member medical relief team comprising:
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| The medical Aid team for the Chennai floods 2015 from Aster DM Healthcare |
20 Doctors: Emergency Physicians, EM residents, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, and General Physicians.
15 EMS Personnel and Nurses
5 Pharmacists
4 Driver-EMS Personnel
4 Ambulance Assistants
The team was drawn from Aster MIMS Calicut, Aster MIMS Kottakkal, and Aster Medcity Kochi. We procured essential medications worth ₹25,00,000, including antibiotics, painkillers, oral rehydration salts (ORS), anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives, and other necessary drugs. Along with life-saving equipment and medical camp gadgets, we hired a bus and mobilized three ACLS Mobile ICUs for the mission.
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| Mission Chennai 2015 |
The Journey to Chennai: A Mission Begins
On December 9, 2015, at 4:00 PM, the mission was flagged off by Mr. Babu Parasala, Kozhikode District Panchayat President, in the presence of Sri V.M. Vinu, a renowned film director, Mr.Kamal Varadoor the President Press Club and Mrs. Sudheera K.P., a celebrated writer. Senior administrators from Aster MIMS graced the occasion. By 7:00 PM, we crossed the Kerala border, with real-time updates being provided by Dr. Sai Surendran, who used his influence in Tamil Nadu to ensure safe passage and smooth coordination.
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| Mission Chennai 2015 , Flagged off by Sri Babu Parassala |
Connecting with Ground Reality: Partnering with Local Heroes
Upon entering Chennai, we were connected to Mr. Zikander, the head of a dynamic NGO - India Thowheed Jumaah(INTJ) actively involved in flood relief operations. His team had extensive knowledge of the ground reality in the outskirts of Chennai, where medical relief was either lacking or minimal. They had ample supplies of food, water, clothing, and utensils but lacked adequate medical aid.
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| Mr Zikkander Bai( Black shirt), who coordinated the camps locally |
Mr. Zikander’s team welcomed us with open arms, providing comfortable accommodation and food. His volunteers treated us like family and took us to various flood-affected villages in the suburbs of Chennai, where medical assistance was desperately needed.
Conducting Medical Camps: Bringing Relief to the Forgotten
Campsites
Over the next 7 days, we conducted 5 to 6 medical camps daily, with an average attendance of 200 to 300 patients per camp. This meant that we attended to over 1,000 patients every day and served nearly 10,000 patients during the mission. Several mosques and schools had been converted into makeshift camp sites. The primary health issues we encountered included:
Skin infections, especially fungal
Respiratory tract infections
Gastrointestinal infections
Exacerbation of diabetes and hypertension
Trauma and fractures
Asthma and COPD exacerbations
Convulsions and hypoglycemic attacks
Media coverage
The Epidemic Scare: A Critical Intervention
We identified 18 cases of pediatric diarrheal disease in two campsites. According to national guidelines, any cluster of more than five such cases in a single site during a disaster scenario warrants notification and investigation. However, when we attempted to report the cases, we faced significant resistance from local authorities and district medical officials. They were hesitant to notify the outbreak, fearing government action and negative media attention.
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| Pediatric gastroenteritis -Epidemics |
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| Large numbers of pediatric cases were reported |
This placed us in a moral dilemma—to report and face possible local hostility or stay silent and compromise public health. Thankfully, Dr. Tausif took charge and directly reported the situation to national authorities. Within five minutes, directions came from national authorities to the state and district authorities, initiating an epidemic investigation and immediate disinfection efforts for local water sources. Thanks to these efforts, no mortality was reported from this outbreak.
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| Dr Sai Surendar Chennai coordinated and arranged a reception for all team members in Chennai |
A Mission Fulfilled: Gratitude and Recognition
After completing 7 days of intense service, we returned to Kerala with a sense of deep satisfaction and gratitude. The Emergency Physicians of Chennai, under SEMI Tamil Nadu, organized a special reception for our team, where all EPs of Chennai were present. Later, at the national level, SEMI awarded Aster DM Healthcare and me the "Bravery Award 2015" for our commitment and contribution.
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| SEMI Bravery Award 2015 |
A Moment of Lasting Bond: Chennai Honors Kerala’s Heroes
Three months after the floods, a team from Chennai led by Mr. Zikander traveled to Kochi to felicitate and honor all the warriors from Kerala who supported Chennai during its darkest hour. The event was held at Aster Medcity Kochi, marking a moment of heartfelt gratitude and lasting friendships.
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| A memento from INTJ-an NGO supports conducting medical Camps in outreach Chennai |
Conclusion: An Everlasting Memory
The 2015 Chennai floods left behind a trail of destruction, but they also revealed the power of humanity and compassion. Our mission not only provided immediate relief but also helped contain a potential epidemic, ensuring the safety of thousands. The memories of this mission continue to inspire us, reminding us that in the face of adversity, true service lies in standing by those in need.
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| National CME/Workshop on Lesson learned in Chennai floods Conducted in Kochi. Dr Tausif, Dr Venu, Dr Sai Surendar ,Dr Adil , Dr Renuka |
"Service to humanity is the best work of life." Our Chennai mission was a testament to that philosophy, and its lessons will resonate forever in our hearts.
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| Received memento from TN Governor Rosayya, courtesy to Dr Narendranath Jena |
