Kerala floods: Google will contribute $1 million for relief and restoration work

Google.org and Googlers are contributing over $1 million for the relief and restoration work in Kerala and Karnataka which was left battered by severe floods.

Rajan Anandan, Vice President, India and Southeast Asia said, “Sometimes technology can help in extraordinary circumstances. India has gone online to rally behind the victims of the Kerala and Karnataka floods.”

Google’s Crisis Response team has also turned on SOS alerts on Google Search in English and Malayalam, and activated Person Finder to help people search for family and friends.

He added, “Locations of flood relief resources like shelters are being shared on Google Maps. Outside of the tech support, Google.org and Googlers are contributing over $1 million to support relief and recovery efforts. And others can also donate to Kerala flood relief on Tez.”

According to data released today by the Disaster Management's state control room, 474 persons have died in the rains and floods since May 29, when the South West Monsoon set over Kerala. Fifteen persons are missing.

Kerala witnessed the worst flood situation in a century. Over 3.26 lakh people are still in relief camps across Kerala even after a fortnight of the devastating deluge that left a trail of destruction claiming 322 lives and rendering thousands homeless. With rehabilitation measures on, the government said an immediate relief of Rs 10,000 would be disbursed soon to the flood-affected.