Kerala, the southern state of India has been facing widespread flood, landslides and destruction. It is the worst natural calamity state has faced in recent times. Death toll is currently estimated to be more than 350. More than 250,000 people have fled their homes and have displaced themselves living in around 6000 shelters set up by government and NGOs.

Majority of the districts have been affected by the torrential rains and towns remain cut of . Kochi Airport is closed till 26th August as runways are flooded. Rail and road transportation has come to a stand-still. Water level in the rivers continues to rise as the shutters of 33 of the 39 dams in the state were opened.

Efforts are on to rescue people stranded in various parts of the state with help from the army, navy, air force and the team of National Disaster Response Force. Troops have been deployed to rescue those caught up in the flooding, with helicopters and lifeboats. Rescuers are battling torrential rains and fury of the nature to save stranded and isolated people.

The total damage due to floods in the state is estimated to be worth Rs 8316 crore. Prime Minister of India has visited the affected the areas and has assured all possible support and assistance from the central government to restore normalcy in the state at the earliest.

At this moment, affected people of Kerala need your support to overcome the calamity that has fallen upon them, to survive and to rebuild their lives. We request all of you to stand with the distressed, and actively participate in the effort to support them at this difficult time.

Please consider this as a request from the people of Kerala and contribute generously to the relief efforts.

Akshaya Patra is always actively involved in disaster relief services by providing food to disaster affected people. You can follow their incredible work here.

https://twitter.com/ukakshayapatra

Thank you

Mukesh Murali