Homemakers left with no homes

CHENNAI: Chinnamuthu, a resident of Periya Kuppam, is a woman with a lot to worry about. As her four children, of ages ranging from 21 to 12, huddle toget-her behind her, she casts a glance towards what used to be her house. Cyclone Thane has taken away their home and possessions.She and her family are now staying in their neighbour’s house. “My eldest daughter is to get married in July next year. What will I do without a house? I can’t even retrieve anything now,” she says, with tears running down her cheeks. Her husband has a history of convulsions that has prevented him from venturing into the sea.  Similar stories could be heard from women of the fishing communities in the North Chennai area, especially during such times of calamity. The cyclone shelter does not offer much privacy or facilities. As long as the after-effects of the cyclone last, food is provided, and that too only if they demand.Anjala, who also lost her house, says, “We have seen enough of this destruction every time there is a natural calamity. Since the 2004 tsunami, we are afraid to live here, but the houses to relocate us have not been handed over.”Desam, a long-time resident of the hamlet says, “Even if we have to be moved from here, we would like to have all the families from the area in the same locality. Only 120 houses are ready in Netaji Nagar, whereas close to 300 families live here.”The womenfolk do their best to scrape together what they can during these times when the men cannot go out and earn. They are a proud and self-sufficient lot, who do not look up to anyone for help, but only demand what is due to them. As one resident, Seetha says, “There is a limit to how much we can suffer. We cannot live like this any longer.”