Chennai floods: Atlanta community participates in relief efforts

by VeenaDecember 7, 201502322

NRI Pulse Staff Report
Atlanta, GA, Dec 7: Several Atlanta community organizations and individuals have come forward to participate in relief efforts for the victims of flood-hit Tamil Nadu.
More than 280 people died across Tamil Nadu, and several thousands have been left homeless, after torrential rains submerged whole neighborhoods last week. Army and relief workers rescued people trapped in their homes after power and communication lines shut down in several areas.
For those who want to participate in the relief efforts, here are some local options:

IFA Medical Camps for Chennai Rain Relief

Indian Friends of Atlanta (IFA) is coordinating with ATMA (www.atmausa.org) to conduct medical camps in affected villages. The association is in the process of securing aid from local pharmaceutical companies, medical colleges and companies.
Paypal link: http://alturl.com/a8pdx or please send your payments to IFA office.
IFA
5490 McGinnis Ferry Rd,
Suite 113, Alpharetta,
GA,30005

Sewa International’s relief activities

Sewa International’s relief activities include cooking and serving food, material distribution as well as a 50 member medical team in Tamil Nadu.
To donate: https://www.sewausa.org/donate

Vibha Tamil Nadu Flood Relief Fund

Vibha has immediately released $30,000 towards the Relief and Rehabilitation efforts of Tamilnadu Flood Disaster. The organization is working with its partners on the ground to get help quickly to the people affected.
To donate: http://vibha.org/relief

Greater Atlanta Tamil Sangam (GATS)

GATS has partnered with Udavum Karangal (Chennai) and Vibha (Cuddalore), who lead relief operations on the ground.

60% of donations will go to Udavum Karangal – Maduravoil flood project

40% of donations will goto Vibha – Cuddalore Flood Project

GATS will provide receipts for claiming Income tax deduction.

Donation Link:

http://tinyurl.com/gatsfloodrelief/

The donation link for closes on 09-Dec-2015 Wednesday. The preferred method is on-line donation which would be faster to serve those in need.

To make off-line donations, please contact GATS at contact@gatamilsangam.org.

Atlanta Disaster Response Force

The Atlanta Disaster Response Force set up by John Gladson, Madhavi Gunasekaran and their friends has collected essentials like clothes, school supplies, sanitizers, bandaid, mosquito repellent etc. to be shipped to India.
Contact: 678-408-2321

CNN journalist Archith Seshadri

CNN journalist Archith Seshadri has set up a relief drive on gofundme and will be going to India next month on his own expense to drop of the funds personally for the flood victims.
To donate: https://www.gofundme.com/a9dmxa9y
Here’s the link to Seshadri’s report on the Chennai floods : http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/03/asia/india-floods-chennai

If you are part of relief efforts that are not on this list, please email us at editor@nripulse.com with details.