BENDIGO residents of Indian origin say the situation is "devastating" in the nation, as it battles a tragic second wave of COVID-19.
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India reported more than 379,000 new cases on Thursday, and 3645 deaths. On Friday the country's week-long average of new cases per day was 330,000.
Hospitals forced to turn away COVID-19 patients, as its health system has struggled to cope with the crisis.
India's official death toll from coronavirus has hit more than 200,000.
Bendigo Malayalee Association secretary Allen Joy said it was a "devastating" situation in India.
Malayalee describes speakers of the language Malayalam, who mainly live in the south Indian state of Kerala.
Mr Joy said most of the group's members were safe in Bendigo, rather than being stuck in India.
He said checking with the group, so far everyone's families were safe.
Despite the devastation, Mr Joy said he was confident India would be able to overcome the situation. He said the nation had managed the first outbreak of COVID-19 really well.
He attributed its deadly second wave to the country's welcoming nature, saying it had kept international airports running during the entire pandemic.
"So many pharmaceutical companies have been operating in India, they have got top doctors, so surely they will overcome this and it will be under control very soon," Mr Joy said.
Mr Joy said it was positive to see Australia supporting India.
On Tuesday Prime Minister Scott Morrison suspended flights from India until at least May 15, due to the catastrophe. He also committed to sending medical supplies and personal protective equipment to the country's struggling health system.
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Indian cricket team Bendigo Strikers secretary Anil Jose said it was a sad situation in India. His own family live in the Kottayam district of Kerala. Mr Jose said the state had so far escaped the worst, which had hit the northern states, but the situation was predicted to worsen.
He said the entire country was going through a tough time, with people unable to confidently leave the house.
Mr Jose said it was almost like a lockdown, but the Indian government was reluctant to enforce this given the number of people living day-to-day.
"In India, it's not like a developed country like Australia, there isn't a government providing like JobSeeker or JobKeeper, there's no Centrelink. Most of the people over there are on daily wages," Mr Jose said.
"When there is lockdown ... it impacts on their ability to live."
About 9000 Australian citizens remain stuck in India.
With AAP.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
