One of the worst landslides in India’s recorded history devastated multiple villages in Wayanad, Kerala at the end of July this year. More than 300 people lost their lives and many are still reported missing. Thousands of houses, commercial buildings and shops were damaged and people lost their livelihood and belongings in the disaster.
Sevalaya, an NGO headquartered in Chennai provided household relief materials to people affected by the landslides, at an event in Wayanad on 5 September 2024. The aim of the event was to help those affected, to resume their normal lives after the disaster by providing them daily household items.
20 families were provided with a kit containing relief materials. Each kit consists of 24 items including clothes, plastic chairs, bucket and mug, gas stove and kitchen vessels such as idly pot, sambar vessel, dosa pan, tiffin box, flask, bowl and plate, plastic containers etc. The kits were handed over to the beneficiaries by V Muralidharan, Founder and Managing Trustee of Sevalaya and Bhuvaneswari Muralidharan, Honorary Correspondent, Sevalaya. S R Priyadarshini, Centre Head, Sevalaya, Gudalur branch were also present.
Murugan and his wife, who were estate workers, were among the beneficiaries. They lost their son, Sarath, in the landslide. Sarath had saved 18 people from the landslide but was swept away while trying to save the 19th person. With tears in his eyes, Murugan shared that he had lost both his possessions and his livelihood, and he expressed his gratitude to Sevalaya for the support, hoping to rebuild his life from scratch.
Liji, a resident of Mundakai, has lost her home and is currently residing with relatives. In response, Sevalaya is committed to building new homes for those in need. Additionally, many individuals, including electricians, plumbers, tailors, and auto drivers, have lost the essential tools required for their livelihoods. Sevalaya plans to provide them with the necessary equipment and launch skill development courses to aid their recovery.
There are also plans to rebuild schools in the affected areas. To achieve these initiatives, Sevalaya seeks the generous support of donors.
