As massive floods in Kerala are affecting the state acutely, the Indian expats in the United Arab Emirates have come together to lend a hand to thousands of families displaces in the Indian state.
Thus far 88 deaths have been reported in the flood-hit state. Besides deaths, 42 people are still reported to be missing. At least 808 housed have been entirely battered and 8,459 partially in rain-related incidents.
More than 2.52 lakh people have taken shelter in 1,332 relief camps across the state.
An “orange alert”, warning people to be prepared in the likelihood of bad or extreme weather, has been issued for six districts.
UAE chapter of Voice of Humanity, a group of around 50 stage artists from Kerala, has opened collection points to collect relief materials for the affected, according to a report by Khaleej Times.
“We are mainly collecting clothes, hygiene items for ladies and kids, toiletries, slippers and some food items like oats and biscuits,” Shoukky Sulaiman, joint secretary of the group, said, adding three collection centers have been set up in Dubai.
Sulaiman said the group has assessed the needs based on the feedback of their group members in India who are coordinating rescue and relief operations in various camps.
“We will be sending the collected items by cargo, which will be personally received by our members. We are all trying to do whatever we can,” he was quoted as saying in the report.
Abu Dhabi-based expat organization Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre has also opened collection center at the Indian Islamic Centre and residents are called on to donate blankets, mats, hygiene kits and eatables among other things.
According to the report, a number of expats are making use of social media to share their contribution to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
