GVI Emergency Relief Appeal for Kerala Floods

Kerala is no stranger to heavy rain but this year was extreme. We were all saddened at the news of the floods that devastated Kerala this year. Homes were destroyed, resources diminished and thousands of people were left homeless.

Natural disasters have a significant impact on communities.  Many community members pitched in and offered endless hours of support clearing homes of water and mud and helping to restore what they could to the devastated area. Some homes were saved but many of the belongings were destoyed.  Other homes were beyond salvaging. Natural disasters such as this have an going effect on the community and it is often down the track when people are starting to get back on with their lives after the initial crisis that other needs arise.

In the initial stages of the crisis we were able to provide support  through the Chief Minister's Relief Funds. We were able to supply food, first aid supplies and bedding. It served the immediate needs of the community with those most affected being the priority. Many donations came in based on this list of needs that was supplied by the minister and were distributed to where the community needed it the most.

A few months later and the initial crisis is now over, the floods have subsided and much of Kerala is back to its normal routine.  This is when those affected by the flooding run the risk of being forgotten as people resume their everyday lives.  This is the time where we can now step in and ensure the support continues.  Rebuilding has started and now, from the donations to the relief funds, we will be able to help supply valuable building supplies to help communities who were affected by the flooding.

We thank the donors who contributed to this cause and as we work with the local community to ensure the funds efectively help the community we will keep our donors up to date with the progress.