Companies, politicians, celebrities donate to flood-hit Kerala

Kerala is facing its worst floods in 100 years, which have claimed at least 370 lives and displaced over 1 million people. According to an initial assessment, the state has suffered a loss of around Rs 19,512 crore. While the state is struggling to meet the challenges, aids in all forms, human and humane, are pouring in. Here's a look at how states, companies and celebrities are offering help.

Many companies have stepped in to mobilise financial and logistical support for the state. Homegrown e-tailer Flipkart, and grocery delivery app BigBasket have tied up with non-profit organisations such as Goonj and Oxfam India to let shoppers buy and donate relief goods. Shoppers can buy items such as soaps and mosquito repellents, or even big-ticket items like water purifiers. The companies will be delivering these orders for free.

Amazon India has also tied up with NGOs and is also offering similar facilities to its shoppers in affected areas.

Mobile wallet firm Paytm has introduced a feature that allows users to directly transfer money to Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. The Noida-based company has pledged that it would match the amount that users donate with an equal contribution from its side. On August 18, Paytm said donations from its platform had crossed Rs 10 crore.

Food-delivery platform Zomato has tied up with Akshay Patra, which runs the midday meal programme across schools in India, to let users donate set meals for people at the relief camps.

Motor vehicle companies TVS and Hyundai India have donated Rs 1 crore each to the CM's relief fund.

West Asian countries, which employ up to 10% of Kerala's population, have extended help. While UAE's Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi has donated Rs 4 crore, Indian businessmen in the UAE have given away Rs 12.5 crore for relief efforts. Qatar announced Rs 35 crore and Oman dispatched a flight with relief goods.

PM Narendra Modi has announced a grant of Rs 500 crore, besides Rs 100 crore was given by Home Minister Rajnath Singh last week.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Monday declared that senior officials of the Rajya Sabha and Vice President Secretariat have decided to donate a month's salary for relief measures.

Several Indian states and union territories have also pitched in.

Congress and AAP leaders have also followed suit and pledged to donate one month's salary.

Celebrities too have joined to help Kerala flood victims. Actor-turned politician Kamal Hassan and actor Surya contributed Rs 25 lakh each. Actor Dhanush contributed Rs 15 lakh, while Vishal and Sivakarthikeyan gave Rs 10 lakh each. Rajinikanth has announced that he will donate Rs 15 lakh whereas, director Shankar has assured Rs 10 lakh for the Kerala flood victims.

Telugu actor Vijay donated Rs 5 lakh, actress Anupama Parameswaran donated Rs 1 lakh. Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi donated Rs 25 lakh and actress Rohini donated Rs 2 lakh to the relief fund.

Malayalam actors Mammooty and Dulquer Salmaan have contributed Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively. Whereas Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has given Rs 25 lakh to the CM's relief fund.

Bollywood actors too have donated generously and urged others to contribute for the relief work. Megastar Shah Rukh Khan's Meer Foundation has donated Rs 21 lakh to a relief group working amongst flood victims. Actor Jacqueline also donated Rs 5 lakh to NGO Habitat for Humanity India's Kerala Flood Relief Programme.