Life is coming back on track in Khadra, Suwaiq, Bidiya, Khabourah and Saham. Cleaning of houses and roads has almost been achieved, and there has been a constant flow of food and water in all the affected areas, thanks to the efforts of the state and volunteers.

For many, life has come to a sudden halt after the cyclone, admitted a public servant in Khadra, Ghalaila.

Nasser al Salhi, in his late fifties and his family of eight, have not yet recovered from the shock of October 3 night when the cyclone Shaheen ravaged their village.

“That night is unforgettable for us as everyone in the village feared death and destruction after nature’s fury,” he said.

The water rose as high as two to three metres. It forced all the families in the village to climb on the rooftops of their houses as the ROP choppers went round airlifting people.

The strong wind tossed even heavy objects while animals got washed away in the gushing waters in front of their owners, who remained mute spectators to the situation.

“We are trying to catch up with a wink’s sleep after the cyclone as many of my family members still have nightmares,” says Al Salhi’s neighbour Husam al Salhi.

Rescue and relief are under way in the affected areas.

GOVERNMENT AND NGOS

“It was a great relief to see various arms of state defence arriving at the spot for rescue and rehabilitation,” remembers Maryam al Hasani, a resident of Khabourah.

“These gestures were great relief in helping us get back to life slowly,” Al Hasni, who works as a manager in a private establishment, said.

ANIMALS LOST

Many were able to save their animals along with them. The authorities, however, have been cleaning the places where camels, goats, sheep and cows are feared dead even on the roofs of houses. Many of them might have been covered under the massive mud accumulations.

EFFORTS TO CHECK PEST BREEDING

Pest control teams from different cadres of the civic authority are in action in the cyclone-hit areas spraying insecticide to avoid pest breeding in waterlogged areas.