The UAE community — the leadership, humanitarian organisations, government entities, residents, and businesses — has stepped forward to support the people of Kerala.
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has announced the launch of a nationwide fund-raising campaign on Monday, coinciding with the Arafat Day, to help people affected by the flash floods in the Indian state of Kerala. ERC will deploy its representatives in hundreds of locations across the country to collect funds.
The charity authority urged all community segments to interact with the humanitarian initiative that reflects the UAE’s approach to giving laid by its leaders and deeply rooted in the Emirati society.
Inspired by the UAE government’s show of solidarity with Kerala during the current floods the state is experiencing, many expatriate organisations have also initiated their own campaigns to come to the aid of those caught in what is being termed as the worst flooding disaster in the state.
Aid from UAE expatriates has been overwhelming, as people are coming out to donate large quantities of perishables, non-perishables and other items for the flood victims.
Collection points and phone numbers in the UAE
Dubai
■ Kerala Muslim Cultural Committee (KMCC) office: Call 04-2727773 to connect with volunteers at their offices in Al Baraha behind Dubai Hospital
■ Kerala NRI Cell and Indian Assist: Contact Chandra Prakash for Kerala NRI Cell on 0555653719 or on email: chandridxb@gmail.com
Sharjah
■ Indian Association Sharjah — 06-5610845
Abu Dhabi
■ The Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) — 02-6730066
■ Indian Ladies Association (ILA) — 02-6330182
■ The Kerala Social Centre — 02-6314455
■ The Abu Dhabi Malayalee Samajam, Musaffah — 02-5537600
■ The Indian Islamic Centre in Abu Dhabi — 02-6424488
Fujairah
■ Indian Social Club — 09-2221155
Most needed items
■ Bedsheets, sleeping mats, blankets, nighties, lungi, bathing towels, rusk (no bread), biscuits (no cream biscuits), water, rice, sugar, salt, milk powder, pulses, oil, spices, tea/coffee powder, electrolytes, water purifying chlorine, tablets, Dettol, first aid kits, mosquito repellents, anti-septic lotion, antifungal powder, bleaching powder/lime powder, baby diapers, adult diapers, sanitary napkins, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bathing soap, washing soap, candles, matchboxes, cooking utensils and dining utensils like plates, tumblers etc, basic household furniture (chairs, tables etc), containers for storing rice and other food items at home, footwear, mugs and buckets.
How to donate cash to the Chief Minister's Fund
■ Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has requested the Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) to extend their support to the state to deal with the worst natural calamity it has ever faced.
■ People can send their donations to CMDRF (Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund), Account number: 67319948232, State Bank of India, City Branch, Thiruvananthapuram, IFS Code: SBIN0070028.
