In the face of adversity and rising floodwaters, a group of selfless individuals in Chennai has emerged as true heroes, braving the dangers to rescue those in distress. Led by Sangavi Vijayaraghavan and her husband Pradhap Lakshmanan, these courageous individuals have taken it upon themselves to extend a helping hand to their fellow citizens.

When Sangavi received a distress call on December 4 from a flooded area in Mudichur, Chennai, she wasted no time in springing into action. With a strong desire to assist those in need, Sangavi and Pradhap, both employed in the corporate world, swiftly transformed into dedicated volunteers as part of the Direction for Volunteers organization.

Operating in areas where government rescue teams were unable to reach due to deepwater levels and limited manpower, the couple relied on local fishermen and their boats to navigate the flooded terrain. They successfully rescued numerous individuals, including a woman and a child with a high fever. As the situation worsened, Sangavi and Pradhap continued to receive requests for essential supplies and rescue operations.

Undeterred by the absence of mobile network coverage, they diligently noted down rescue requests and ventured into affected areas, such as Pallikaranai. The ground reality proved more challenging than anticipated, with a diverse range of people, including the elderly and pregnant women, in need of rescue.

Despite facing personal risks and enduring the perils of wading through stagnant water mixed with sewage and carcasses of animals, Sangavi and Pradhap remained committed to their mission. They even utilized social media platforms to amplify awareness of the dire situation and garnered support from influencers.

Their efforts caught the attention of the Greater Chennai Corporation, which collaborated with Sangavi to address the needs of affected localities. However, the couple emphasizes that their actions represent only a fraction of the overall help needed due to damage caused by the floods.

Sangavi urges the government to establish a more efficient network of volunteers and improve public announcements to ensure timely assistance reaches all affected areas. In the midst of the calamity, this extraordinary couple chose to put the needs of others before their own, leaving their three-year-old child in the care of their neighbors to provide aid and support to those in distress.