The Indian health system has reached reached breaking point amid a horrific second coronavirus wave and the impact is being felt far beyond the nation's subcontinental shores, much closer to home in many cases.
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The Indian-Australian community in Orange can do little but watch on as the nation is torn apart by the virus, with reports across the globe of people quite literally dying in the streets.
India reported more than 350,000 new cases and almost 3,000 deaths on Monday alone, in Delhi hospitals have run out beds while oxygen and medical supplies have run drastically low for days.
It's awful, it's very hard. People are sick and dying and we aren't able to do much other that send our prayers.
- Desi Aussies of Orange president Vijay Bohra
Crematoriums too, are overwhelmed. So much so carparks and other public spaces in the capital have been transformed into mass cremation areas.
With flights from India being suspended on Tuesday, the Indian-Australian community is effectively cut off from family members abroad, potentially in dire fashion.
"It's awful, it's very hard. People are sick and dying and we aren't able to do much other than send our prayers, which is a very tough position to be in," Vijay Bohra, president of Indian community group Desi Aussies of Orange, said.
"But flights being restricted further or suspended isn't the main concern, I don't think.
"It's very hard for people who are unable to see their relatives because I think most families have now been impacted by this, and it would be devastating for a family member to pass and be unable to be with them.
"But I think the main concern is with the people in India who are sick and need help. There is an understanding of the health risks flying would pose and life is the most important thing, so the biggest concern is seeing those people get help."
Countries like the United Kingdom, United States, France and Germany have pledged assistance already while the Australian government is set to rush ventilators to India which were stockpiled at the height of the pandemic here.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bearing the brunt of the blame for the second wave, being branded complacent in allowing mass gatherings of people at political rallies and religious events.
"India was providing support to others after the first wave but suddenly it's turned. The government could have planned better and kept preventative measures in place, yes, but playing the blame game won't help anyone," Mr Bohra, from Delhi himself, said.
"The healthcare system is crashing, particularly in places like [Mumbai] or Delhi, so the most urgent thing is getting the supplies they need, particularly oxygen.
"I think the numbers we're being told are probably lower than [reality], but it is great to see other nations supporting India and the community showing support as well.
"I can say every Indian-Australian would appreciate that, along with any support the local community can give as well in any way, even emotional support.
"Hopefully, we can all work together and the situation is in hand sooner rather than later, because it is a devastating situation."
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