Devastating Floods Have Left Thousands Helpless, Maharashtra Needs Help Now More Than Ever

The last 24 hours have been nothing short of devastating for the people of Maharashtra. This is the heaviest spell of rain in the state in July in nearly 40 years, and for many, it’s reminiscent of the 2005 floods that left hundreds dead and missing.

The people of Maharashtra were only just recovering from the deadly second wave, as they saw some of the highest number of cases in the country. Now, once again, the state has been brought to its knees. With landslides, collapsed buildings and rivers crossing danger levels, Maharashtra is in urgent need of help right now. 

The Situation On Ground Is Terrifying 

Several teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have been deployed for rescue operations along with the Navy. Coastal Konkan, districts in western Maharashtra, Vidharbha and areas in Mumbai metropolitan region experienced floods on 22nd July (Thursday) after incessant rains since 21st July (Wednesday). Raigad Ratnagiri, Pune, Satara and Kolhapur have all been issued red alerts. 

More than 50% of the coastal town of Chiplun in Ratnagiri has reportedly been submerged, as heartbreaking videos from the area have come to light. One such video shows a woman being pulled up from the flooded area with a rope, but just as she almost reaches safety, they lose grip and she falls into the water.

Without urgent help, thousands of lives like this will be in danger. So far, countless people are marooned in the state, while 44 people have reportedly died so far due to the floods.

The entire state of Maharashtra is struggling to survive.

Several NGOs Are Coming Forward To Lend A Helping Hand

While the situation is grim, there is still hope. It is in times like these that we see the true power of empathy and people coming together. NGOs and individuals have already started coming forward to lend a helping hand. One such NGO is the Mumbai based Making The Difference who have been working tirelessly to help thousands ever since the pandemic began and now
want to leave no stone unturned to help people during these devastating floods.

However, they can’t do it without your help.

Your Support Can Save Lives

Making The Difference now needs your help to give the people of Maharashtra the support they need to make it through this terrible crisis. They want to distribute essential kits containing grocery items like rice, atta, toor dal, oil, sugar, salt and hygiene products like soap and toothpaste. They also want to give them blankets, mosquito repellent and tarpaulin sheets so that they can stay protected from the heavy downpour and stand up on their feet again.

Hundreds of people have already lost everything they had to the floods. These items will be distributed to people in all the affected areas of Maharashtra and will help them recover from the floods, and give them the hope and security they need during these times.

Beneficiary NGO's:

• 1) Making The Difference: Founded by Mr. Deepak Vishwakarma in 2014, Making The Difference is a Mumbai based NGO that aims to improve the quality of life for the underprivileged through nutrition, healthcare and education. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, their efforts have been relentless as they have helped thousands get oxygen supplies, grocery kits and other essentials to survive the crisis. They have helped distribute 7000 grocery kits to the murtikars and over 40750 kits to the Dabbawalas of Mumbai last year. This year, they have been working closely with all public hospitals and nursing homes to provide them with life-saving healthcare equipment and supplies. Now they want to help during the devastating floods.  Location : Mumbai , Maharashtra 2) Aahardaan Foundation: Aahardaan exists to alleviate poverty by means of food. They believe access to nutritious food is a fundamental right of every living being on earth. What they do differently is making nutritious food accessible and affordable with the use of modern technology. Location: Sangli , Maharashtra

Note: All the donations towards this campaign is eligible for Indian Tax Exemption.