Boats replace cabs after India flood
A taxi company in India swapped cabs for boats as it ramped up efforts to rescue flood victims in the southern city of Chennai last week.
Ola, a private taxi app similar to Uber, explained on Twitter that the company had been “ferrying people out from water-logged areas” in the city after vehicles couldn’t access flooded roads.
At least175 people have died as rainfall pounds Tamil Nadu and sub- merged parts of the state capital, Chennai, and surrounding areas.
Schools, hospitals and homes are flooded, and more rain is expected.
The idea for #OlaBoats appears to have started out as a social media joke, but quickly transformed into reality when Ola sent out its first rescue boats on Nov. 17.
The boats were manned by professional rowers and fishermen, who rescued people and provided food and drinking water for free, The Hindu reported.
The boats were equipped with two rowers and umbrellas. They can ferry five to nine people per trip.
People in Chennai and across India commended the company’s initiative.
“Now that’s the only good news that has come out of Chennai amidst floods. Way to go,” said Abhishek Jain on Twitter.
“Great job in Chennai. You help the people in distress and they will remember you. Kudos,” Nilesh Rupapara added.