Among the heart-warming stories to have emerged from the Chennai floods is a cleaning drive undertaken by a Muslim organisation.

Around 50 members of Jammat E Islami Hind, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), have been quietly cleaning mosques as well as temples in the flood-hit areas of the city.

In the last two days, they meticulously cleaned two temples, in Kotturpuram and Saidapet. “We find Hindus are unable to worship at temples in some areas because they have been severely affected owing to floods. So, we cleaned the mosques and temples and the streets badly damaged in the two areas. In the coming week, we will do similar work in other areas of the city,” Peer Mohammed, postgraduate in engineering and a student wing secretary (social service) of Jammat E Islami Hind, said. “Throughout the process, people there helped us and were very happy that the cleaning was done,” he added.

Jalaludeen, secretary of the group, said they took utmost care while cleaning the temples in both areas.

Unity rules

Amir Mahal, the official residence of Mohammed Abdul Ali, the prince of Arcot, had become a warehouse of sorts with relief material pouring in.

Mr. Ali commended the people of Chennai for coming together irrespective of caste, creed or religion to serve flood victims.