FENGAL GONE, BUT CYCLONE RELIEF YET TO REACH TRANSGENDER PERSONS, TRIBALS

FOUR days after Cyclone Fengal devastated the lives of thousands of people in Villupuram district, hundreds of members of transgender and tribal communities have alleged negligence and exclusion from the ongoing relief efforts.

- KRITHIKA SRINIVASAN

Despite widespread distribution of aid in the district, these vulnerable groups claim they have received no assistance from officials.

"We are struggling to find food and clean drinking water especially in the last four days. No official has visited us, nor have we been provided any relief. It feels like we don't exist," said P Sindhu (53), a transwoman.

At least 65 people reside in Aiyankovilpattu Pudhu Colony on the outskirts of Villupuram town. Many in the community rely on daily earnings, which have been disrupted due to the cyclone, leaving them in dire financial straits.