Kerala Flood Relief Ground Report |
Heavy monsoon rains in the South Indian state of Kerala has led to unprecedented flood damage bringing the entire state under water. A flood alert has been issued in 12 of the 14 districts in the state. Over 300 people have lost their lives, and around 100,000 homes destroyed. More than 200,000 people displaced by the rains are now lodged in 1,500+ relief camps across the state under difficult conditions. With rains continuing to batter, many of the relief camps themselves are threatened by flood waters. Sewa International announced an immediate grant of Rs.7 lakhs towards flood relief. Sewa International, along with its partner, Seva Bharathi Keralam, is involved in rescue and relief operations. Over 5,000 Sewa volunteers have fanned out distributing food packets and cooking kits, and are opening free kitchens and medical camps to help the flood affected. |
Volunteer Sewa International invites volunteers to come forward and support various initiatives by volunteering with us. |
Rescue Operations
Our volunteers in India/Abroad have been actively responding to any distress calls coming from the flood affected areas through social media (facebook, twitter, whatsapp) or mobile, and informing the respective authorities or local teams in the nearby areas. Local people with boats and vehicles are coming forward to help with our volunteers. These interventions have helped in saving many lives so far, and well appreciated by the community.
An additional 24-hour helpline number has been launched by our US associate which is responding to any distress call. |
Sewa International Coordinates Rescue of Two Senior Citizens |
With rains continuing to pour incessantly, the water from the lake adjoining the house of Sewa volunteer Sanjay Poduval’s in-laws in Thrissur overflowed, flooding their home and leaving them in knee-deep water. The water rose by the hour24-hourand they desperately needed help. Hearing this news, Sanjay immediately contacted Sevabharathi Keralam, partner organization of Sewa International, and a WhatsApp group called “#KeralaFloods Sewa Support”. Within 15 minutes, Gopakumar from the San Francisco Bay Area, and Gokul Kunnath from Atlanta flashed the message to the people on the ground at Thrissur, 8,883 miles away. A relieved Sanjay tweeted: “Thanks to Gopakumar’s and Gokul’s timely help, we were able to rescue my in-laws and they are now safe in our relative’s home in Thrissur. Thanks also to Achalesh, Sachin and the entire Sewa support team. Really proud to be part of this team“. 24 medical camps have been opened in WhatsApp regions in Alappuzha District, one of the most flood-affected areas in the state. More medical camps are scheduled to be opened in the coming days. With the support of well-wishers and volunteers, various relief camps by Sevabharathi providing flood-affected supplies, food, accommodation, and medical services. | 43 ambulances of Sevabharathi have been pressed into service in the flood relief work in different areas. Hundreds of common people are joining hands with Sevabharathi to support these initiatives and the organization is mobilizing clothes, food grains, drinking water bottles, and other material from the public to serve the affected people. In each district, a collection center is opened to collect the materials from the public and to arrange the transportation to relief places. The state leadership team of Sevabharathi is directly monitoring the activities in each district. Below is the list , address, and numbers of our collection centers in Kerala. Kindly send your material support on these addresses. You can also use online platforms like flipkart and amazon to order and send essentials like packed food, tea, sanitary napkins, utensils, mosquito repellants, batteries, torches, biscuits, new undergarments etc to the addresses. |
Pictures of Relief Operations |