Maharashtra floods: NGOs, volunteer groups launch fundraisers for relief work in affected areas

Photo for representational purpose. File Pic

For the past few days, the torrential rains have ravaged several parts of Maharashtra. The Konkan region is among the most severely affected areas. According to PTI, on Sunday, the state government said the number of deaths due to flooding, landslides and other rain-related incidents in parts of Maharashtra reached 113, while 100 people were missing after the monsoon fury.

Chiplun, Khed and several other towns in Ratnagiri and parts of neighbouring Raigad bore the brunt of the torrential rain and the subsequent floods over the last few days. Although the water level has receded to a large extent in most of the affected parts, the floods have left a trail of large-scale damage - from loss of lives to deposits of sludge and mud in the houses and roads.

Non-profit organisations and volunteer groups have started various donation drives to help the people in the severe flood-affected regions. Here are some donation drives to which people can contribute:

Youth For Democracy, Maharashtra (Marathidesha Foundation)

This group has launched a fundraiser through an online platform. Using the funds collected, they will arrange to provide groceries, medical support, clothes and food to communities in the flood affected areas. So far, they have raise a little over Rs 2 lakhs of their goal of Rs 5 lakhs.

To help, visit https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-flood-relief-7

Kokan Flood Relief Appeal

This fundraiser was started by the Minhaj Interfaith and Welfare Foundation (MIWF), which has been proactively working on ground in the flood-hit region. They are trying to achieve a goal of Rs 5 lakhs, of which they have crossed the halfway mark. The aim of the group is to serve the needy without any differentiation on the basis of caste, colour, creed and religion.

To donate, visit https://www.ketto.org/fundraiser/kokan-flood-relief-appeal

I love Mumbai

For their flood relief initiative, this NGO is requesting people to donate blankets, animal food, water, soaps, sanitisers, masks, among other things. The group is also known for having helped people affected by the pandemic by providing essentials such as masks, food etc. As reported by Mid-day.com, Rahul N Kanal, Yuva Sena leader and president of the NGO, had shared that actor Hrithik Roshan had donated face masks to the frontline workers through the not-for-profit organisation.

To help, call 9870377777 or 9930796343

Khushiyaan Foundation

The organisation is seeking donations of old clothes, kids diapers, sanitisers, masks and blankets. As the name suggests, the group attempts to provide happiness to the underprivileged. Through its various projects such as Roti Ghar, Naari Shakti, Beach Warriors and Project Paathshala, it is involved in offering quality food, opportunities for women, and improved access to hygiene and education.

To help, call or message 8828494926 and 7666657964

Khaana Chahiye

The non-profit Khaana Chahiye, which started in March 2020, has been conducting collection drives for various essential items such as sanitary kits, blankets, and candles towards flood relief. A wholly citizen-led effort, as a pilot project it had provided 1,200 meals to people who resided along the Western Express Highway. This year it has expanded through crowdfunding, donations and a growing volunteer base.

To help, DM them on their social media pages or email them at contact@khaanachahiye.com

International Association for Human Values

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) is a partner organisation of the Art of Living (founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar). IAHV works on social development programs aimed at increasing global equity, sustainable development initiatives, and social justice for all human beings. They have also started a financial donation drive to support Maharashtra flood relief work.

To help, visit https://pages.razorpay.com/mahafloodrelief

Disclaimer: Mid-day.com does not endorse or check the veracity of any of these fundraisers and accepts no liability for them. Anyone who would like to donate to any of these must do it at their own discretion

Also Read: Maharashtra floods: Death toll rises to 164, 100 missing