This month has seen Kerala being hit by its heaviest downpours in almost a century, resulting in the deaths of over 350 people and the displacement of millions more.
Even with the rains subsiding, people are struggling to piece their lives back together in the aftermath. Heavy flooding has made rescue and relief efforts a major challenge for everyone involved.
Despite the tough conditions, citizens from across the state, country, and the world have offered to help those affected. Here's a reminder that, even in these bleak and divisive times, people can unite to display the best of humanity:
1. When this girl donated money that she had been saving for a new cycle, and when Hero Cycles offered to reward her selflessness.
TWO HEROES- 8 year old Hero little Anupriya from Tamil Nadu, who donated her piggy bank savings to #KeralaReliefFund . She had been saving to buy a cycle. #HeroCycles - Who have promised the child a new cycle every year in appreciation of her selfless gesture. https://t.co/UbtqYa7gV2
2. When this guava-seller donated five baskets of fruit – his entire stock for the day – to a collection drive in Bengaluru.
3. When prisoners in jails across Kerala prepared food for tens of thousands of victims, and also donated ₹12 lakhs from their collective wages.
4. When a temple in Thrissur opened its doors to let Muslims offer prayers on Eid.
5. When this man put his body on the line to help strangers climb safely into rescue boats.
A scene from #Thrissur in #Kerala. As some of those who were rescued found it difficult to climb onto a boat, a fisherman voluntarily kneeled down, so that they could use his back as a step. #Humanity #KeralaFlood #KeralaFloodRelief #KeralaFloods https://t.co/PWZiEB9JNX
6. When Kerala's own army – its fishermen – saved hundreds of thousands of people, getting to locations that official rescue forces wouldn't have been able to in time.
Some superheroes do not wear capes or possess fancy gears.Their super powers are empathy, commitment, and a boat load of courage💓 The fishermen of Kerala, who saved hundreds of people stranded in #KeralaFloods #WeShallOvercome https://t.co/JbDn0p9jZT
7. And when their dedication was rewarded by the state they were putting their lives at risk for.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the Government will honour fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission. All boats will be granted ₹3000 for each day of their work. Government will also bear the repairing costs of boats damaged during the mission. #KeralaFloods
8. When people from all walks of life stepped up to do their bit.
A Malayalam movie star, Tovino, in rescue operations—at work & before camera:
9. When money was not a consideration for a hospital that opened its doors to injured victims free of cost.
#Verified Sunrise hospital, Kakkanad, opens for complete free treatment for flood relief patients. Including surgeries. Feeling really good that we can do that much. Dr. Hafeez Rahman Director Sunrise Hospitals
10. When people joined hands online and made a difference by taking charge of donations, organising collection drives, transporting supplies, and much more.
11. When the Indian Navy rescued a pregnant woman from her flood-hit home in the nick of time, as she gave birth to a healthy baby boy soon after.
12. When officers from across India stepped up and made sacrifices of all magnitudes to answer the call of duty.
A Soldier is never off duty. Maj Hemant Raj 28 MADRAS Sapth Shakti Comd #IndianArmy flew to Kerela on leave. Imdtly threw himself into #KeralaFloodRelief work. Organised team of Defence persons on leave,veterans & local fishermen boats to help marooned people. Working tirelessly. https://t.co/v1kzbRYHEP
13. When Khalsa Aid went beyond state and religious boundaries to contribute to relief efforts.
Kerala Floods Our volunteers are continuing to serve over 10,000meals daily to those affected by the floods. We will be launching our 2 phase soon. Thank you for your support. #KeralaFloods #KeralaFloodRelief To Donate : https://t.co/p9844LJxHE https://t.co/NH2ayGWZcH
14. When religion was not a consideration for a landowner who offered some solace to those grieving.
People (from anywhere in Kerala, irrespective of religion, caste) who need land to bury their dead, Kuruvilla Samuel from Adoor has offered his plot for the purpose. You can reach him on 9871358055 #Verified This broke my heart. #KeralaFloods #KeralaSOS
15. When it wasn't just humans that people looked out for.
Chennai Rescue team rescued 19 stranded dogs & its owner from Kottayam. Animal lives matters too. Good job everyone invloved in this #keralaflood #RebuildKerala https://t.co/nPLsodJu51
16. When kids at a relief camp refused to get bogged down and staged a performance to "Jimmiki Kamal" to spread some cheer.
17. And when these citizens expressed their gratitude for all the help and support Kerala was receiving.
#OpMadad #KeralaFloodRelief #KeralaFloods2018 A Thank You note painted on the roof of a house where the Naval ALH piloted by Cdr Vijay Varma rescued two women. Bravo... https://t.co/xsaD1RfeIk