AYUDH Amritapuri is calling for supplies to aid people in Kerala who have been affected by flooding from torrential rains. AYUDH is the youth chapter of Embracing the World.
“We all are well aware about the ongoing tragic situations faced by our people in Kerala. So it is high time for all of us to get in action,” announced AYUDH Amritapuri on its Facebook page. “AYUDH Amritapuri is taking initiative for flood relief. So we are expecting your utmost support for being part of this initiative.”
The storms have hit about half the state. So far, 39 people have died and more than 60,000 are homeless. Six districts in the state were given a red alert from the government weather service. They include Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Malappuram. The flooding is estimated to be the worst in Kerala since 1924.
The AYUDH volunteer team has opened collection centers at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri Campus. The first step is to collect necessities for people taken to relief shelters, along with anyone else in dire need.
The team is calling for food supplies which are easily stored and will not spoil quickly. This is items such as biscuits, rice, sugar, salt, tea/coffee powder and lentils. Of course, it also includes clean drinking water and oral rehydration salts.
There is also collection of accommodation items such as bed sheets, sleeping mats, blankets, nighties, lungi and towels. Also important are personal care items like mosquito repellents, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby care items, along with other such things.
Antiseptic lotions and antifungal powders are another key. Flooding can carry serious health concerns for water-borne illnesses such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A. There are also vector-born illnesses such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile Fever.
In addition to essential items for relief shelters, AYUDH Amritapuri is also asking people to donate school items for children. The kits will include school bags, notebooks, pencil boxes and pens.
The youth team will begin clean-up drives in the flood-affected areas once the conditions allow.
