Kerala is currently suffering from its worst crisis of the century. The flood has killed more than 167 people and has caused a loss amounting to more than 8000 chores in property, crop and other economies in the last four days. Majority of Kerala is in dark as the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had to cut supply in view of possible hazards due to submerged roads and buildings.
Besides a more than 37% increase in rainfall, the authorities can be partially held responsible for the plight of Kerala. There had been a gradual releasing of water from 30 dams.
Desperate for help, residents have been uploading SOS videos on social media, seeking rescue boats and relief supplies. The Armed forces have been engaged in rescuing people from various districts using evacuation boats. IT professionals based in Bangalore developed a crowd-sourced map to pinpoint the trouble zones which would assist the relief wing.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called for help to rebuild the lives of people in the state. He introduced CM’s Distress Relief Fund: donations under which are exempted from income tax as well as Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010. it at this link:
http://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in
“At this point of time, nothing can help as much as money,” Vijayan said earlier this week. Those who wish to send essential services like mattress, toiletries, medicines, food grains, furniture, clothes can contact the emergency operations centre at the district Collectorates. The toll-free number is 1077.
Twitter saw Actor Siddharth post a challenge asking people to donate.
I dare you. I beg of you!
What do I have to do to make you read and share this?
I did the #KeralaDonationChallenge
It was awesome!
Will you? Please?#KeralaFloods#SaveKerala@CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/9RmMjSKVBC
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) August 16, 2018
Paytm has been instrumental to the cause by creating a specific donation section which would straightaway go to CM’s distress relief fund. Here is the link:
https://paytm.com/helpinghand/kerala-cm-s-distress-relief-fund
Please donate as much as you can.
