As Manipur reels from the shock of the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 which hit the north eastern state on Monday, a Chennai-based volunteer group is doing its bit to provide any help needed by victims in the quake-hit region.
The group Chennai Assemble was formed following the devastating floods that struck Chennai and Cuddalore late last year to help the victims, and the members have now once again activated their network to help Manipur.
The disaster has reportedly claimed at least eight lives and injured scores along with having caused significant destruction to property. To add to the woes of the victims, poor road and mobile connectivity in the affected areas is making the situation all the more difficult in reporting the extent of damage.
How did they start their Manipur operation?
Soon after the earthquake struck Manipur, the group found doctors in the affected region through other volunteer doctors.
Chennai Assemble used their NDRF and Army contacts, which they had gathered while working during the Chennai floods, to get in touch with the ADC and the Governor of Manipur.
They were then put through to the chief secretary for disaster and relief, Manipur, and also the head of the control room in the region following which they started coordinating. The group now has a team on the ground.
"We have faced a similar situation, which is why we want to help Manipur," Shashi Kumar, a volunteer for Chennai Assemble told The News Minute.
The group said that while officials in Manipur are busy carrying out relief work, they contact them twice every day- once in the morning and once at night- and provide them with general information regarding the situation on ground.
On Wednesday night, the group was asked to submit with the officials a list of supplies that they could provide for the relief operations. The group has now activated its network and collection points are being set up in several parts of the country including Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Coimbatore and Hyderabad.
What do they need?
At present, they need blankets, round collar t-shirts, children's clothes and tent materials.
Can you donate money?
Yes. Funds can also be donated. Contact the volunteers to know more.
Where can you look for more information or provide your help?
The group is currently working with NGO's and all information and updates are being made on supplies.chennaiassemble.com
You can also follow discussions on the Tamil Nadu Flood Support Facebook group.
Is the information reliable?
All information on the website has been verified by volunteers.
How else can you help?
They need more volunteers to help with the relief and aid work. You can also help with setting up collection points.
The group can also help with information
Those who have already set up teams for Manipur can get updates from the group. They can also help with contacts to gather supplies and handle logistics. The group says NGOs on the ground and government appointed teams are being mobilized for them by the Governor's officials.
What happens if there are extra supplies?
The group assures total transparency in its working and says the extra supplies, if any, will later be diverted to the needy in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
For more information, visit http://supplies.chennaiassemble.com/