Mumbai to deliver necessities to Kerala flood victims

Various groups, NGOs in the city along with the social media have come together in order to gather basic necessities and send these to people rescued from the Kerala floods. Word of mouth, text messages and social media, all means of communication have brought people together to extend a helping hand to the flood victims.

Organisations are posting on social media seeking help for Keralites. Basic necessities such as — oil, clothes, utensils, blankets, sanitary napkins, soap, bed sheets are being collected.

Nishant Bangera, a Thane resident and a founder of one such organisation, MUSE, said, “We started collecting basic necessities since August 16. We contacted the local volunteers from Kerala who are near the rescue areas. We asked them to give a list of the materials the rescued people needs. Many people from Mumbai wanted to donate but didn’t have any platform. After we posted about the donation drive we have received more than 800 calls.”

“We have around 11 centers where materials are collected. The centers opened are also volunteered by the people. Many schools, office space, and houses have opened up their space for the collection center voluntarily. The centers are across Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mumbai,” Bangera said.

As planned, phase one of the collection drive will be conducted till Sunday. The volunteers in Kerala are in touch with the rescue operation team in Mumbai and are coordinating with them for the supplies.

“We will be mostly supplying these materials through the train. The citizens have given us an overwhelming response,” added Bangera.