Here's how you can donate to flood relief efforts in Kerala

World Wednesday 15/August/2018 14:07 PM
By: Times News Service
Here's how you can donate to flood relief efforts in Kerala

Muscat: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has set up an account to collect funds for relief efforts as the South Indian state reels from heavy flooding and rains.
The funds, which will be collected together as part of the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), will be used to buy essential and medical supplies for all those who need them, as well as aid in the reconstruction of areas that have suffered severe flood damage.
Those who are interested in contributing can wire money to State Bank of India account number 67319948232, using the IFS Code SBIN0070028, the code for the City Branch in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital.
A statement on Twitter by the Chief Ministers Office of Kerala (@CMOKerala) said: “Kerala is in the midst of an unprecedented rain havoc. Path to recovery can be long and arduous but you can make a difference by joining the rebuilding efforts. CM Pinarayi Vijayan has urged all to contribute generously to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.”
Severe flooding in the southern Indian state has killed 175 people, with India’s National Disaster Response Force and the Indian Army being deployed to affected areas in Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram, after dams in the area crossed their maximum holding capacity.
The rains have also damaged crops worth INR3.42 billion (OMR 18.79 million), and has displaced tens of thousands of people. 53,500 people are currently living in camps, and 7,500 families have been evacuated from Ernakulam alone. A red alert has been declared in eight out of 14 districts.
In addition, the flooding has led to authorities temporarily closing Kochi Airport until the 18th of this month.