Following a torrential downpour that caused heavy flooding in the state of Kerala since the past few weeks, has caused immeasurable loss to lives and property. Close to 370 lives have been lost in the state due to the floods. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday declared the situation in Kerala as a 'calamity of severe nature'. Essential services have faced disruption, and even with the Navy, Army and Air Force being deployed en masse, the population of Kerala continues to face enormous hardships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala on Friday to conduct an aerial survey of the state. He announced the immediate release of Rs 500 crore in emergency aid for Kerala following his survey of the state undertaken on Saturday morning.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao instructed all the officials to send 500 tons of rice to Kerala. Responding to the donation, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Rao expressing his gratitude. 

'God's own country' has seen rain pour incessantly over the past 10 days, so much so, that gates of all 33 dams in the state have had to be opened, many for the first time, sending water rushing downstream. The state government, as well as the Centre, have made efforts to tackle the situation, and so have local volunteers, especially fishermen who are using their boats for rescue operations. As per the IMD, however, the state is likely to witness heavy rains for the next 48 hours.

There are a number of ways in which citizens from other parts of the country can inquire about their dear ones in Kerala, and also lend support to those in need from afar:

DONATION

A relief fund has been setup for all those who wish to provide their support to Kerala, which is facing the worst flood situation in its history. One can follow this link to make donations to Government of Kerala Chief Minister's Distress relief fund.

Apart from that digital wallet company, Paytm has opened up a feature for direct payment for donations to help the state. 

Online grocery marker Big Basket, in association with Goonj.org has jointly started a donation programme that would provide the stranded people with one kg of rice, one kg of Sugar and 500 gm of pulses. To donate the care package here

Users of Google's digital wallet Tez can now directly contribute towards Kerala's Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund:

Digital wallet PhonePe has opened up direct UPI payments towards Kerala's Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund:

Online food-ordering platform Zomato has partnered with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to start a relief fund for those affected by the Kerala floods. 

HELPLINE NUMBERS

There have been many efforts made in order to receive whatever help that is possible. Chief Minister's Office of Kerala released district-wise helpline numbers for all those who find themselves struggling in the situation.

The Twitter handle of the Chief Minister's Office of Kerala also requested support from the citizens through their post. "Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected. Donate to https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in  #StandWithKerala," the message read.
 

All Kerala Caterers Association has offered free food for relief camps. In case of any requirement please contact Sri.Jibi Peter: +919388604278

Dr.Rasheed Patatth with 22-years of experience is available for treatment at Kochi. Residents requiring medical attention in and around the area can contact him on +916235309199

ITEMS WHICH CAN BE DONATED

Here is the list of items which citizens can donate to those facing the struggle in Kerala.

ITEMS NEEDED –

• Ready to eat foods (Bread, Rusk, Biscuits, Tinned Foods)
• Candles and matchbox (Big Candles)
• Toothbrush and Paste
• Odomos, Mosquito Coil and Gel
• Dish washing liquid
• Bar Soap / Washing powder /Washing soap
• Toilet & Floor Cleaner
• Oil
• Kids & Baby wear
• Dettol
• Utensils
• Blankets
• Bed Sheet
• Men’s and Women’s undergarments
• Sanitary Napkins

The following are collection centers where the citizens of Mumbai can donate essentials:

1. Thane (East):

Inksanity Tattoo Studio, Shop No.17, Sai Tirth Tower, Next To ICICI Bank, Sidharth Nagar, Kopri, Thane East

Contact no. 9987813890

Timing: 11:30 a.m-9:30 p.m.

2. Thane (West):

Bldg. No 30 B , Flat no. 4,

Vrindavan Society, Thane w

Pin : 400601

Contact : 7678074971

Timing : 11 am to 9.30 pm

3. Vikhroli (East):  

M K Trust Madhyamik Vidyalay, Plot no 356, Near Shanti Van Kannamwar Nagar 1, Vikhroli East

Contact: 9167597487     

Timing: 8:30 a.m- 9:30 p.m

4. Kalyan (West):

Lince Lovis, Flat No:902 - B8

Raunak City Phase-2

Aadhar Wadi Road,

Kalyan west.

421301.

9597077784

8838859233

8.30pm - 10.00pm

5. Kalyan (East):

Vishwanathan Iyer (Heramb classes)

Basement, Manik Chs LTD, (old post office building) Katemanvli, Kalyan East.

Time: 3pm to 9pm

Earlier on Friday, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan stated that death toll due to floods had risen to 164. Further, he said that the helicopters by Air Force had been sent to the more affected areas for rescue operations. To Chalakkudi and other areas, boats were sent. As for Chengannur and Chalakuddi, sending boats were tough, hence, helicopters were deployed.