As south Tamil Nadu struggles in the aftermath of devastating floods, the Seydunganallur Baithulmal Jamath mosque, situated en route from Tirunelveli to Thoothukudi, has emerged as a symbol of compassion and religious harmony. Approximately 30 Hindu families who lost their homes to the floods have found refuge in the mosque for the past four days.
TNM discovered this heartwarming story after noticing an unusual gathering of women inside the mosque. Apart from welcoming displaced families, the mosque committee also ensured that there was food and essentials for their guests, including clothes, medicines, and sanitary napkins.
Tamilarasi from Kovilpath, who was displaced by the flood, said, "They opened the door to us wholeheartedly. They never said women can't enter. They told us we could stay here as long as we wanted. From food to medicines, they are providing us everything." Daivakani, another flood-affected person sheltering in the mosque, said, "We came here four days back with just the clothes we wore. They provided us with everything else in this mosque. All those who are sheltering here are Hindus."
In a unique gesture of solidarity, the mosque has temporarily suspended all prayers to accommodate the flood victims. Imran Khan, a Jamaath committee member, stated, "We have decided not to conduct any prayers until all these people can go back home, so that here they can have all the space they need. We believe in unity and equality. When the floods hit, we had a meeting in the Jamaath committee and decided to open the mosque as a relief camp."
The four south TN districts of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, and Ramanathapuram received heavy showers on December 17 and 18. In the resultant flooding, many areas remained cut off and several families were displaced. National Disaster Rescue Forces and State Disaster Rescue Forces have been deployed to help with the relief efforts.