Efforts For Kerala Floods

With more than half of the state of Kerala reeling under severe floods, one of the worst floods to hit the state since 1924, several people have been displaced and left homeless. Roads, bridges, buildings and infrastructure have also been severely impacted, bringing the state to a standstill.

The situation is likely to worsen as heavy rainfall has been predicted for the next week. Over 320 people have lost their lives in the Kerala floods and rain related incidents in different parts of Kerala. Currently, rescue missions are underway, but as the water recedes the damages are expected to be very high.

People are finding it increasingly hard to access food and basic amenities. In the light of this, bigbasket has joined hands with social enterprise, Goonj. People can support Goonj’s initiative, called Rahat Floods, by contributing with an essential kit from the website or app. bigbasket will also be donating 20% of all individual contributions.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has pressed into action three helicopters – Two from Mumbai and one from Kakinada to airlift relief materials for the people hit by the Kerala floods. Four ONGC doctors have also been flown in to provide medical supports. Medicines, foodstuff, dry provisions, bedsheets and other relief materials have already been sent from Mumbai and Kakinada.

ICICI Bank announced that it will contribute 10 Crore rupees to aid the state government and the local authorities. The majority of the contribution will be extended to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). The Bank will also contribute to the District Collectors’ efforts in all the 14 districts of the state to help in the supply of essential commodities like clothes, food items, medicines, sanitation and hygiene products and others.

Star India will donate 2 Crores to the CMDRF to expedite post-emergency recovery and rehabilitation work in the areas ravaged by the Kerala floods. Additionally, Asianet employees have pledged INR 25 lacs and all Star India employees are being encouraged to donate at least one day’s salary, and on its part, Star India will match the total contribution of its employees. MG George Muthoot, Chairman, The Muthoot Group handed over a cheque for 1.5 Crore rupees to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan towards the flood relief fund.

Maruti Suzuki voluntarily donated 2 Crores towards the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to strengthen relief, rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts of the Government. In addition, employees of Maruti Suzuki will make a contribution amounting to 1.5 Crores.

Cognizant handed over general medicines to the district administration under the aegis of the National Health Mission, to safeguard against water-borne diseases. Cognizant’s centre head for Kochi, Joseph Korah, handed over the medicine supplies to S. Suhas, District Collector, Alappuzha District for the Kerala floods.

Samsung India has deployed its Customer Service Vans and will set up a relief camp in the state. The employees of the Company, including its three R&D centres and 2 factories, are also making a voluntary contribution for the people of the state.

Samsung India will contribute INR 1.5 crore to the CMDRF alongside donating 10,000 bedding sets. The relief camp will provide mobile charging stations, refrigerators to store food, milk and medicines, microwave ovens and also Samsung mobile phones and tablets for free voice and video calling facility so that people can connect with their relatives and near ones.

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