Work together to help others
The tragedy that struck the state of Kerala during a festival event was quite unfortunate (‘Judicial probe ordered into Kerala tragedy’, Gulf News, April 11). This incident once again proves that a lack of safety measures during mass gatherings will always cause serious concerns for the public.
This incident is one of the worst human tragedies the state has had to face, especially when celebrating such an auspicious occasion. Despite being denied permission to go ahead with the fireworks, it is quite surprising to what extent the law was ignored. Now, the tragedy has claimed the lives of more than 100 people.
It’s not the right time to criticise and blame political parties over the incident. Instead, a combined effort is needed to help those who have survived. It is also equally important for the political parties to put their differences aside and extend their full support for a thorough investigation process, which is needed to find the root cause of the extremely heartbreaking event.
Meanwhile, it was a good gesture on the part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in helping out in the best way he can, supported by a team of experts from the federal administration’s various departments.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Devastating explosion
It was devastating to read about the Paravur Puttingal Devi temple explosion, at the store house where fireworks were being stored for the annual ceremony in the Indian state of Kerala.
The explosion caused more than 100 casualties, with more than 250 injured. I pray for the victims, the grieving family members, and hope for a speedy recovery for the injured.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Preventive measures
Kerala is going through a very sad situation. The death of more than 100 people has come as a shock to everyone. The mood of the festivities changed into horror and tragedy at the scene. No one could have foreseen such an incident, and this negligence has everyone in a dilemma.
This incident should come as a lesson to people to ban the use of fireworks during such festivals. Fireworks are not helpful in any way. They cause noise pollution, air pollution and various other health hazards.
People should also not take advantage of this situation for their political agenda. This is a man-made tragedy and man should take responsibility for this, and should take steps to prevent such incidents from happening again.
I would also like to appreciate Modi for promptly putting his schedule aside and heading to Kollam, India. Also, much appreciation to Facebook for immediately activating a safety check.
From Ms Akshitha Unnithan
UAE
Unite and help the needy
It’s saddening to hear about this incident, which happened in Kerala. My condolences to the victims. May God give patience to the families.
It’s unfortunate that some people on social media have taken the opportunity to make this incident about religion and spreading hate. This is the time to unite and work for the less fortunate people, they are our beloved ones.
From Mr Abdul Vahid
UAE
Facebook comment
Praying for the victims
It’s very sad news. May God bless all of them, and grant patience and strength to their relatives. Please accept my deepest condolences from Pakistan.
From Mr Jamshaid Khurram
Lahore, Pakistan
Facebook comment
Huge price to pay
This is a very sad accident. People who deal with fireworks must take precautionary measures when storing extra bundles for the same purpose.
A small amount of negligence sometimes leads to big accidents. We are with the families who have lost their loved ones, in this difficult time of sorrow and grief.
From Ms Syeda Ahmad
UAE
Facebook comment
Needs legal action
The massive Kerala fire tragedy shows us the irresponsible approach of the temple authorities in the name of annual celebrations. The dreadful tragedy occurred due to a firecracker landing in the wrong area. Many have died and even more are injured.
Modi, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and many other philanthropists from the UAE and Kerala announced compensation to the affected families. Although the Indian federal government is probing into the fire tragedy, will it change anything?
Every time any mishaps occur, we are prone to initiate a judicial inquiry and forget the disaster later.
The Chief Controller of Explosives issued terms and conditions with the ordering of a probe into the fire tragedy.
There has to be total crackdown of illegal ammunition storage. Many nearby structures have been reduced to rubble and some of the neighbouring buildings were blown apart from the impact.
We need to control or bring in limitations for the customary practice of fireworks or stop such ceremonies entirely.
From Mr M. K. Gunaseelan
Abu Dhabi
Stereotypes and journalism
Let’s admit it - stereotypes make our lives easier (‘Spain plans to end afternoon break’, Gulf News, April 5).
There are many stereotypes about my country, Spain. Non-stop fiesta (which includes paella and sangria) and siesta when not partying. Not to mention that we fight bulls every other day on the streets. Yes, we like a fiesta (but in due time), yes we take our food seriously (which includes not only paella and sangria), yes we like to take a siesta (but only when possible, that is to say, on holidays or weekends).
With regards to bullfighting, well, there is a huge debate in Spain about that, so it is not as popular as it used to be decades ago.
However sometimes we find articles about Spain that are full of stereotypes, like “Spain plans to end afternoon break”. The truth is, siestas, if taken, last about 20 to 30 minutes, and no more than that. And most importantly, majority of workers do not take siestas on work days! They start work at 8am or 9am and only some department stores start at 10am. We only have two rush hours, just like anyone else — in the morning and in the evening.
Does anyone really think that a country where people start working at 10am and have a three-hour siesta could be the fourth largest economy in the Eurozone? Or that Spain could be one of the top world destinations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with those working hours? Were the 68 million tourists that visited Spain in 2015 unattended until 10am and during our “3-hour siesta”?
From Mr Erik Rovina
Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain in the UAE
Editor’s note: We thank the reader for the feedback. However, every fact mentioned in the report was sourced from multiple international news agencies. The only error was in the description of the government, for which a correction was run in the newspaper on April 8, in the Matter of Fact box. n Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
