Nilambur: It was an unusual experience for all of them - to lay their back on the floor or wall of a mosque. When Vasanthakumari, Neeli and Ragin, alli residents of Vellenkavu colony near Nilambur in Malappuram, and Amina residing on the banks of Kanjirappuzha River, Mathilmoola were reclining against the wall on the first floor of Masjidunnoor in Namboorippotti, Nilambur, they were doing just that.
They were among the thousands across Kerala who ran with life in embrace, escaping from the torrent of water that made terrifying entry into the recesses of their homes – big, small, strong or dilapidated all devastated by wind, flood and landslides.
They are now sharing their tales of fear and agony under the secure roof, safe from rain and cold, w ell protected with doors of the house of God and rubbing shoulders with each other cutting across barriers of religion.
Babies could be seen running about in abandon in the mosque hall, when beside that a faithful among them was seen praying Muslim prayer, arms raised to the sky apparently seeking succour from Almighty.
In all, there are 125 temporary refugees from 25 families, out of which 11 are Hindu families. Following the first first landslide on Wednesday last, 16 families arrived, and then came the rest the following Monday and Tuesday. The mosque is run by Human Service Trust connected with Jama'at-e-Islami.
The ground floor is used by the office bearers of the mosque committee and volunteers who cook and serve food. Although it was informed that government funds would be provided for food and other arrangements, so far nothing has been received, said the officials.
However, with rescue aid flowing in from philanthrops, the disaster relief camp is running smoothly. Food is served for all in one batch in the madrasa building adjacent to the mosque. Volunteers have also delivered new blankets to those in the mosque and other relief camps around.