Communication blackout leaves Durban family fearing for son in cyclone-hit India

Sudharshan Moodley helplessly watched roads disappear under floodwater.

AS POWERFUL winds and torrential rain battered the Indian coastal city of Visakhapatnam, South African student Sudharshan Moodley helplessly watched roads disappear under floodwater, trees buckle and communication networks collapse. Thousands of kilometres away in Phoenix, Durban, his parents were desperately waiting for news that he was safe.

Cyclone Arnab made landfall along India's east coast in the early hours of October 28, bringing winds of up to 135km/h and gusts reaching 150km/h. At least three people were killed, homes and farmland were damaged and electricity supplies were disrupted.

Moodley, a fourth-year B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) student, was at Andhra University in the Pedda Waltair district, when conditions intensified around him.

He had been following warnings about the approaching storm, forecasted to reach Visakhapatnam within days. Initially, he was not too concerned, having experienced several cyclones during his three years in the city.

As the day progressed, the conditions became increasingly dangerous.

“When news first started circulating about the cyclone, it was classified as a Level 2 cyclone, which we didn't really fear at first as we've experienced such cyclones before. The situation escalated a day before the cyclone hit when it was re-classified to a Level 3 cyclone and amber alerts were issued,” Moodley told the POST. 

“It was at that moment my housemate and I realised it would be a good idea to stock up on extra groceries as we were unaware of how long the cyclone would last or what the aftermath would be.” 

The cyclone initially started as a heavy downpour with howling winds.

“Within an hour or two, we could soon see light debris flying around everywhere; leaves, small tree branches, empty bottles, etc.”

As the day progressed, the conditions became increasingly dangerous.

“Within a matter of an hour, roads were flooded, stores were closed, roads were blocked and it was as if everything came to a standstill.”

From his second-floor apartment, Moodley watched trees bend under the force of the wind while rain and mist reduced visibility on the balcony to just a few metres. Debris was swept through the streets and water flooded parts of the building.

Moodley said the force of the storm was frightening.

“A moment that sparked worry and fear in me and others was when a red alert was issued. That's when we really understood how bad this cyclone could be, especially in moments when we could hear the winds trying to force open shut windows and rain banging against the window as if it were trying to break in.”

The aftermath of the cyclone at the university.

The windows rattled as the wind battered the apartment, while power cuts and poor cellphone reception made it difficult to contact family back home.

“Every once in a while when it calmed down, I went up to the terrace to try and get hold of my family whenever I could. Trying to let them know I was safe was difficult considering there was little to no coverage. We also experienced multiple power cuts that lasted between a few minutes to an hour throughout the two days.

“We lost our internet connection during the peak of the cyclone. The only way we could get even a bar of signal was by standing on the rooftop, and even then, finding a reliable connection was difficult,” said Moodley.

The lack of communication was agonising for his parents.

“With everything happening around the world, global warming and the increasing number of natural disasters, this experience was particularly frightening for me as a mother,” his mom, Maggie Moodley said.

“We managed to speak on Monday (October 26), but by Monday afternoon, communication became difficult. Calls kept dropping, and messages only went through whenever the network returned. By Tuesday, there was complete silence. No calls, no messages, nothing.”  

“By lunchtime, I was so worried that I was considering contacting the Indian Consulate to find out whether there was any way to check on the students' safety but I kept calm. There is no worse feeling than knowing your child could be in danger and being too far away to do anything. All we could do is pray, hope and wait for that one message saying, ‘Mum, I'm safe.’

“We speak every day, all the time, but when there is a power failure and network issues, it is worrying.”

Meanwhile, municipal workers began clearing debris and residents gradually returned to their routines.

“The cyclone has now dissipated although it left a trail of destruction as it moved further north towards the state of Odisha. Something not many people know about India is that it never sleeps. The morning after the cyclone had passed and when the first rays of sunshine hit the ground, everyone continued with their lives as if nothing had happened,” said Moodley. 

“Those who were affected received the necessary aid and assistance, while municipal workers were out on the streets clearing debris. By midday, no standing puddles of water were in sight.

“Although India is accustomed to such conditions, the local municipal elections in Visakhapatnam, which took place on November 1, may also have been a factor in pushing efforts to get things done.”

On whether the devastation would affect Diwali celebrations, Moodley added: “Although the cyclone did have a devastating impact, nothing will stop Indians from celebrating Diwali. With no standing puddles, blocked roads, roadside debris or area damage, Visakhapatnam is ready to celebrate Diwali with a bang.”