UAE Businessman donates for Kerala flood relief

Abu Dhabi, Aug 19: A United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based businessman has announced a 2.6 million dirhams ($707,837, Rs.4,94,03,483) donation towards relief operations in the flood-hit Indian state of Kerala.

According to K.P. Hussain, chairman of Fathima Healthcare Group, about half of the amount will directly go to the Kerala Chief Minister's Relief Fund, while the rest will be allocated for medical relief aid, reports Khaleej Times.

Hussain said that the group has coordinated with the state's health secretary to send volunteers from its medical faculty, which includes doctors and paramedics, to relief camps.

Other UAE businessmen had also earlier pledged donation to help in flood relief operations.

As of Sunday, the toll from the torrential rains and the subsequent floods that has ravaged Kerala since August 9 stood at 370.

So far, the Centre has mobilized deployment of 339 motorized boats, 2800 life jackets, 1400 lifebuoys, 27 light towers and 1000 raincoats. Further, 72 motor boats, 5000 life jackets, 2000 lifebuoys, 13 light towers and 1000 raincoats are being deployed.

As many as one lakh food packets have been distributed and arrangements are being made to supply another one lakh food packets. Provision has been made for the supply of milk powder as well.

Besides that, the Indian Navy has deployed 51 boats along with diving teams, 1000 life jackets, and 1300 gumboots. It flew 16 sorties in 48 hours in rescue operations.