US: Indian NGO 'Sewa International' raises over $10,000 for Kerala
Sewa International, an Indian non-profit organization in America, has raised over $10,000 for flood relief operations in the deluge-hit Kerala. Nearly 200 people have died in Kerala since August 8 due to floods and landslides, while over 3.14L people have been moved to relief camps. The state is facing its worst flood in 100 years with 80 dams opened and all rivers in spate.
Over 5,000 Sewa volunteers are distributing food packets, cooking kits
Fresh from the painful memories of hurricane Harvey just a year back in Houston, Sewa International immediately set an immediate goal of raising $100,000 for the relief operations, along with its India partner, Deseeya Seva Bharati Keralam, the NGO said. Over 5,000 Sewa volunteers have fanned out distributing food packets and cooking-kits, and are opening free kitchens and medical camps to help the victims.
NGO's Disaster Relief Director expresses will to help
"Given the immediate need for help, we decided to release $10,000 in our first tranche of funds toward flood-relief. We're in regular contact with our India partner and other relief agencies to provide as much help as we can," Swadesh Katoch, Director Disaster Relief said.
Kerala-origin Houstonians have canceled preparations for Onam
On its Facebook page, Sewa International has appealed Indian-Americans to open their hearts, and wallets to help the people in distress. Meanwhile, Houstonians originally from Kerala, who were preparing for Onam have canceled all festivities. "Such festivities hold little appeal when friends and family in Kerala are losing loved ones in catastrophic flooding," Biju Pillai, President of the Sri Guruvayurappan Temple in Houston, said.
