People cross a submerged road. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.

According to government data, 5000 boats were destroyed by Cyclone Gaja along the Tamil Nadu coast. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.
Nearly fifty percent of the houses damaged were completely destroyed, according to government data. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.
A family whose property was damaged during the cyclone look-over their goats. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.

Citizen volunteers were crucial in distributing relief material in the cyclone hit areas where government officials couldn’t reach on time. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.

The board says “Vaatakudi Gaja Cyclone Relief Centre”. They are installed by citizen volunteers to guide people to relief centres. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.
The board says “Vaatakudi Gaja Cyclone Relief Centre”. They are installed by citizen volunteers to guide people to relief centres. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.
People watching Buddhar Kalai Kuzhu’s parai performance (an indigenous musical instrument) in Vattakudi, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. Such community events aimed to serve as a form of therapy for those affected. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.
A TNEB worker repairs an electric line damaged due to the cyclone in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Government data shows that about 100,000 electric poles, 1,000 transformers and 201 electricity substations were damaged. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.
A temporary shelter in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.
A scene from a relief camp in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.

(As narrated to Sherwin Rodriguez)

Banner image: A resident inspects her house damaged by Cyclone Gaja in the coastal village of Pushpavanam in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Photo by Palani Kumar/PEP Collective.

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