City groups reach out to flood victims

Stating that they are collecting basic essentials from the public, Anish P, resident of Aminjikarai, said, “My group of friends and I were shocked after seeing visuals of the devastating floods in Kerala. Many of us are natives of Kerala ourselves, but have grown up in Tamil Nadu. We decided to spread the news via WhatsApp and Facebook. We are collecting daily essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, bathing soap, steel plates, matchboxes, candles and the like. Besides, we have also requested people to come forward and donate eatables like rice and atta too.” 

WhatsApp has, off late, been flooded with messages and statuses calling out to the public to come forward and donate in any way possible. “We had experienced a similar disaster here in the city two years ago and know how difficult it is to get access to anything at all. With no electricity, food or clothes, people who were affected here then, were desperate for help too. Aware of how much worse the situation is there in Kerala, we are eager to contribute to the needy there,” said Ram Manohar, a college student, who has been reaching out to the public via WhatsApp.

There is no amount too small or too big and hence, we are accepting donations of any amount, he stated, adding, “We would require funds to purchase food items as well as basic essentials like torches, batteries, medicines, power banks, cooking utensils and the like.” 

Besides, the other important requirements for most women there are sanitary napkins and inner wears. “Almost every post put up has requests for large amounts of sanitary napkins. We, as a group of college students are therefore collecting funds to purchase sanitary napkins and send them to Kerala,” said Maria K, a college student.”