Because Kerala Needs You!

Rain.

Mother Nature’s Monsoon Rains.

That's all it took for the state of Kerala (in South India) to flood in water that was more than neck-deep, for massive landslides to lay waste to roads and homes and for hundreds to lose their lives.

The floods didn’t discriminate between rich or poor, old or young or man, woman or child.

The people of Kerala (fondly known as God’s Own Country), have faced the worst flood in living memory. The loss of life and property is unprecedented, with over 400 people having lost their lives, hundreds missing and approximately 1.2 million people displaced and living in relief camps. Kerala received rainfall that was 250% greater than the expected rainfall for the monsoon season, which runs from June to September.

[A man stands in front of what is left of his home]

The merciless monsoon rains have battered the tranquil state of Kerala and have caused widespread damage that will take years to restore and rebuild. Houses and roads have simply crumbled and washed away, those who have died were crushed under debris caused by landslides and after their houses have caved in and collapsed. The extent of the damage remains unknown until the floodwaters subside but at least 83,000km of roads have been destroyed, 98,800 acres of crops and thousands upon thousands of houses. Officials predict that the overall recovery will cost at least £2.4bn.

[Kerala submerged in flood waters]

However, the rain fury is not solely responsible for Kerala’s misery. For the first time ever, 35 of Kerala’s 39 dams were opened, within days of each other and a torrent of hell was unleashed upon Kerala. Residents were forced to flee with very little warning, on roads which had landslides and were submerged in water. Thousands of people scrambled up to the upper terrace of their homes, with no food, water or electricity; crouched together waiting desperately for help. Many of these people have been rescued by various troops, volunteers, fishermen and India’s armed services.

[People are airlifted by the Indian Navy during a rescue operation]

Though a tragedy of unprecedented proportion has gripped Kerala, unity in adversity is the dominant theme in Kerala and amongst all overseas Keralites. For now, the flood waters appear to be residing and rescue efforts are under full swing. The attention has now shifted to rehabilitation and preventing the outbreak of water-borne and air-borne diseases in over 4,000 relief camps that have been established across Kerala.

As the flood waters recede, Kerala faces the mammoth task of rebuilding their beautiful state. So why should you donate?... Because Kerala needs you! We humbly request each and every person to donate whatever they are able to give. By giving, you’re not just donating, you are making a difference! Your generous donation will enable the people of Kerala to receive: shelter, fresh drinking water, food, clothing, medicine, sanitation and much, much more.

[ A man rescues a drowning man from a flooded area]

If you are a UK taxpayer, please TICK THE GIFT AID BOX. KCAUK will receive an extra 25% from HMRC on top of your donation at no extra cost to you.

Every penny that KCAUK receive online and in person will be going to those directly affected in the flood-hit regions across Kerala. We also pledge to put in our own contribution of £1000 to the Kerala Flood Appeal.

Thanking you wholeheartedly for your act of kindness and generosity.

Kerala Catholic Association of the UK Trust
Reg Charity No: 1103811


Channel 4 News- Video of Kerala Floods 

The Guardian- Kerala Flood coverage

BBC - Kerala Flood coverage 

[Rescue teams evacuating people from a flooded area]