UAE community groups extend helping hand to flood victims

Abu Dhabi - Malayalee Samajam Abu Dhabi has tied up with Seabreeze Air Cargo and Courier to collect and send as much needed goods as possible to Kerala.

Community associations in the UAE are trying all possible means to support flood-affected in Kerala with relief supplies, rescue efforts and financial assistance.
Malayalee Samajam Abu Dhabi has tied up with Seabreeze Air Cargo and Courier to collect and send as much needed goods as possible to Kerala. "We are urging people to come forward and contribute. The relief camps in districts are overflowing and everyone should chip in. We have started receiving clothes and supplies from today (Thursday)," samajam president T.A. Nasar said.
He noted that three members, who went on vacation, are now coordinating rescue and relief operations from various districts.
"We have members in Malappuram, Thrissur and Trivandrum. One of our members, Anish, is getting married this Sunday but he is engaged in relief operations in Malappuram. Our members are visiting various camps and also giving feedback on urgent requirements. Everyone here has family, friends or relatives in some part of Kerala. So all should come together to help hundreds of thousands affected in Kerala," Nasar added.
People who are interested in contributing to the cause can reach out to samajam rescue coordinator Asharf Pattambi (0554206030) or office at 02-5537600.
Asharf said people can call him and the team will collect the cargo from home.
Contributing to relief fund
Meanwhile, India Social and Cultural Centre opened a 'special account' to receive voluntary contributions from community members.
"It is the duty of the community members to stand united and help Kerala overcome this unprecedented situation," ISCC general secretary Eappen Mammoottil said. "We request everyone to donate generously to Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Those interested can call Sasi Stephen (0504491752), Jithesh Purushothaman (0503137547), Manjit Singh (0504185963) and Durairaj Rajvel (0504491769)," general secretary Jithesh Purushothaman said.
Ganesh Kumar of Indian People's Forum said there are members in Kerala engaged in rescue work.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi
• India