Following the devastating floods, readers of The Hindu Group from TN, Bangalore and Hyderabad have reached out to help over 32,000 families across Chennai and Cuddalore. So far, nearly 6,000 boxes carrying approximately 30 tonnes of supplies have been sent in. Readers have also been volunteering to distribute these crucial supplies to those who have been affected, by using a door-to-door system to identify specific needs and channel help to people in the area, including in remote locations.

“A validation survey is conducted by local youth, college students, police officials, homemakers, corporate professionals and others. It is a movement powered purely by readers’ contributions”, says Bharathi Tamizhan, Online Editor, The Hindu Tamil who has been overseeing the Chennai Rising campaign. “So far, the relief efforts have benefited people in dozens of localities including Minjur, Netaji Nagar, Tiruvottiyur, Vyasarpadi, Pulianthope and Kolathur in North Chennai, and MGR Nagar, Jaffarkhanpet, Ashok Nagar, Ekkaduthangal, Porur, OMR, Nesapakkam, Velachery in South Chennai. Approximately 50,000 litres of water, 1,500 milk packets, 1,600 milk powder packets, 2,800 bedsheets, 1,800 plastic mats, 3,000 sanitary napkins, 12,000 packets of bread, 100,000 biscuit packets and 6,000 mosquito mats have been collected and distributed”. He adds that the urgent needs include more blankets, clothes for young children and senior citizens, bleach and disinfectants.

Says volunteer Vignesh Ilango who has been part of this effort from day 1, “I’ve been involved in sorting the goods received and ensuring that they reach the beneficiaries by visiting affected areas. We are also reaching out to interior locations”. He appeals for people to intensify the efforts and sustain the momentum that it has gathered.

Supplies needed

“Our team has been doing as much as possible, and we have taken time off work to focus on this” he says. “It would be ideal if we could all dissolve all barriers, come together and help Chennai get back on its feet”.

Plastic sleeping mats, blankets, baby and adult diapers, new clothes (readymade garments and innerwear for all ages), mosquito repellants/nets/coils, torches with batteries separately, milk powder, bedsheets, pillows and covers, towels, utensils, handwashing and sanitizing supplies.

To contribute supplies

Drop off the supplies at the nearest KPN office, or at the collection centre adjacent to the Chepauk stadium (Pattabhiraman Gate) opposite to the State Guesthouse and at the new Ispahani building adjacent to The Hindu Tamil office on Mount Road.

To volunteer

Call Bharathi Tamizhan - 9551511138, Karthick Krishna - 7401419575.

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