Check out this video: BBC journalists reflect on covering the Covid crisis in India five years later
India’s first Covid lockdown was announced on 24 March 2020, at the onset of a global pandemic that claimed millions of lives.
The fragile healthcare system in India crumbled under the weight of the pandemic.
While the official death toll in India was disputed, the WHO estimated over 4.7 million Covid deaths in the country.
BBC India journalists look back on their experiences covering the crisis, where they sometimes became part of the story.
‘Oxygen, oxygen, can you get me oxygen?’
During the summer of 2021, BBC News reporter Soutik Biswas recounted a desperate plea for oxygen from a woman whose husband was battling Covid in a Delhi hospital.
The situation in India during the deadly second wave of infections was dire, with oxygen and other essential supplies scarce.
The struggle to find oxygen and medical help highlighted the devastating impact of the pandemic on individuals and families.
The stories of desperation and loss painted a grim picture of the crisis unfolding in India.
‘Most difficult story I have ever covered’
BBC News reporter Yogita Limaye shared heart-wrenching stories of families affected by the second wave of Covid in India.
The lack of preparedness and resources left many to fend for themselves in the face of the deadly virus.
The emotional toll of reporting on the devastating impact of the pandemic was immense for journalists like Limaye.
The second wave caught India off guard, leading to chaos and desperation among those seeking medical help.
‘Could I have done more?’
BBC News correspondent Vikas Pandey reflected on the challenges of covering a pandemic that hit close to home.
The personal impact of the crisis was felt as friends and family reached out for help during the pandemic.
The stories of loss and grief experienced by millions during the pandemic left a lasting impression on journalists like Pandey.
The unimaginable pain and suffering endured by many in India during the pandemic will always be etched in the memories of those who covered the crisis.
Reuters He was acquainted with me through a friend and reached out to seek assistance in finding another doctor after being informed by the hospital where his father was admitted that the chances of survival were slim. While on the call with me, he received another call from his wife’s doctor indicating a shortage of oxygen for her.
Tragically, he lost his father first, and later messaged me saying, “I was looking at his body, while reading SOS messages from Rehab’s [his wife] hospital for oxygen.” Shortly after, he lost his wife as well, following the birth of their daughter. These two heartbreaking incidents hit closer to home than anything else.
In another distressing event, a relative rapidly deteriorated after hospitalization. Despite being put on a ventilator with a grim prognosis from doctors, there was a glimmer of hope in an experimental drug recommended by one of the medical professionals. Frantically, I reached out to everyone I could think of for help, but the drug was not readily available.
Through a stroke of luck, a kind doctor provided one injection, but three more were needed. A compassionate individual who read my tweet came forward with three vials, intended for her father who unfortunately passed away before receiving them. Fortunately, my relative survived with her assistance.
However, a cousin faced a different fate. Despite being admitted to the same hospital, the lack of available ventilators led to a tragic outcome. I spent the entire night making calls to secure help, but the following morning, the hospital ran out of oxygen, resulting in numerous casualties, including his. He left behind a grieving wife and two young children, prompting me to question if more could have been done.
The devastating impact of Covid-19 extended beyond personal tragedies to overwhelm crematoriums in Delhi, with limited space to accommodate the deceased. Amidst the chaos, fear pervaded both the outside world and the confines of homes, as people grappled with uncertainty and loss.
As the virus ravaged the country during the stringent lockdown, hope rested on the development of a vaccine that held the promise of restoring semblances of normalcy. The anticipation for vaccination as a beacon of light amidst the darkness was palpable, but for some, like myself, the realization of this hope came too late.
The poignant accounts of suffering and resilience during the pandemic encapsulate the collective anguish and strength of individuals navigating unprecedented challenges in the face of a relentless adversary. Sudah lima tahun berlalu, dan aku masih bertanya-tanya: Apakah wanita itu sampai di rumah? Apakah dia selamat? Aku tidak tahu namanya, tapi aku masih ingat matanya yang lelah dan tubuh rapuhnya.
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