Chennaites are coming together to support thousands in Kerala that are affected and displaced due to heavy rains. Volunteers and others from Chennai are working towards mobilising relief material to help out the neighbouring State in this time of distress.

“We are working with volunteers from Kerala, who helped us during the 2015 floods here, as a part of Chennai Rescue. They had helped us immensely back then and now we are doing the same,” Lakshmi Balakrishnan, a volunteer with Chennai Rescue, told The Hindu.

Chennai Rescue team, over the last few days, have been collecting relief materials and are coordinating with volunteers from Wayanad, which is one of the most affected regions, to distribute these materials. Lungies, stainless steel plates, diapers, mosquito coils, towels, medicines and sanitary napkins are among the relief materials collected so far.

There are collection points set up at five places including Bamboola School at R.A. Puram, Naturals Lounge at South Boag Road and Ceebros apartments on Pycrofts Road, by a city based NGO, Path. The first consignment with essentials like medicines, toothbrushes, toothpaste, ready-to-eat food, glucose and ORS solutions will be sent to the Collectorate in Wayanad, from where the State machinery will send it to areas in need.

Tamil film industry has also pitched in to contribute towards the flood relief funds. For Chennaites who have faced the fury of floods in 2015, this is also a time to thank their neighbors who were in the forefront of relief activities during 2015 Chennai floods. Kerala State Road Transport (KSRTC) had then chartered special buses to bring relief materials from across the state to Chennai.

NoRKA-Roots have requested help from Non-resident Keralites to help in relief efforts. Those willing to contribute to relief activities can contact 94441 86238 or 2829 3020.