Thiruvananthapuram: Posts put up by a group of city residents on social media requesting aid for flood-hit people have evoked good response, with several people stepping in to extend a helping hand. Within two days, collection points have been set up at various parts in the city where those willing to contribute in kind can drop off whatever little they could buy for their fellow citizens.
Coordinated by Rights, a non-governmental organization (NGO), the group is ready with the first consignment to be sent to flood-affected regions and relief camps. The NGO has received bed sheets, mats, drinking water, sanitary napkins, adult and baby diapers, antiseptic lotion, medicine, clothes, biscuits and ORS packets at its office at CS Road, Jagathy.
“We have been informed by the tribal extension officer at Idukki that relief materials are needed at seven camps at Adimali. The first package of collected materials will be sent to the tribal settlement on Monday. All packages will be transported through KSRTC buses, which has announced free transportation of relief materials,” said Ajay Kumar, executive director of Rights.
Meanwhile, Indus Cycling Embassy, in association with CET Cycling Club, has extended support to the initiative by collecting
flood relief materials from different points within 10km radius in the city.
Another campaign has been launched on social media called #DoForKerala by Anbodu Kochi, a social media collective, in association with Ernakulam district administration. Collection points have been arranged by the group in the city, at Weavers Village, Sri Mulam Club and B'hub (Mar Ivanios Vidyanagar). The district coordinators of the initiatives can be contacted at 9809700000, 9895320567 or 9544811555.
“There is good response from people. The only challenge is coordination between groups, which is being managed through social media groups. We have been informed that IT firms Infosys and UST Global have also set up collection points,” said Sobha Viswanath, one of the volunteers.
The team accepts bed sheets, sleeping mats, blankets, clothes, bathing towel, rusk, biscuits, water (only 20 litre cans), rice, sugar, salt, tea or coffee powder, pulses, packed provisions, ORS packets or electrolytes, water-purifying chlorine tablets, antiseptic lotion, mosquitoes repellents, anti-fungal powder, bleaching powder or lime powder, baby diapers, adult diapers, sanitary napkins, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, washing soap, candles, match box, school bag, notebooks, pencil box and pens. Used goods and cash will not be accepted. For details, contact 0471-4013939.
Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School, Thycaud, has also started collecting of flood relief material. Contributions will be accepted till Wednesday.
