"It has been the scene since last night. We lost
everything!"- Srinivas, a resident of Rajanagar,
on the night of August 24, 2000.
His cry of frustration still reverberates across the
trail of destruction left behind by the receding waters.
The rain has gone and the sun is shining. But for many
Srinivasas in the city, the real calamity has just begun.
Tragedy often rekindles humanitarian spirit. We find
out how.
Various organisations and individuals have
sprung into action to help the hapless flood victims.
On August 24, eight NGOs got together under the initiative
of HASSS, to form the Hyderabad Flood Relief
Coordination Committee. Committee members conducted
a survey on the extent of damage, to help identify the
varying needs of the victims. Basic necessities like
food and clothes have been distributed. HFRCC has thus
far rehabilitated 2500 families in the worst affected
slums.
 More
recently, the Dr Reddy's Foundation (RDF - a
part of Dr Reddy Laboratories) launched the Clothes
Bank Project, a drive to collect clothes and other
necessary items for the flood victims. Posters have
been put up in restaurants all over the twin cities.
According to Ms Nalini Gangadharan, Executive
Director of RDF: "On an average we get about 1500
clothes a  day."
A whole building has been used up for the purpose. The
collection centre is bustling with activity as volunteers
sort out, wash and iron the clothes. RDF has tied up
with Surf Excel, who will provide their detergent
for washing. They plan to involve school children in
the distribution of clothes.
Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Pearl City Junior Chambers
organised two health camps along with the Lion's
Club and CRPF. Medicines worth Rs. 45,000
were given away along with food packets in Sreeram
Nagar Colony, Gandhinagar, Nagamaiah Kunta and
Nallakunta and Rasoolpura. Every summer,
the Nirdosh Social Service Society distributes
free water in earthern pots to the
thirsty. This time, they distributed truckloads of food
to the hungry in the flood-affected areas. Besides the
NGOs, several individuals have contributed by donating
clothes, money, food and other necessary items to organisations
like the Red Cross. Certain banks too have played
a proactive role by extending loans. Even corporates
like Coca Cola Beverages have done their bit
by supplying 1,00,000 litres of treated water, free
of cost everyday, to the Municipal Authorities for distribution
to those affected.
It appears that when duty called, Hyderabadis did
respond, and respond well. Call it a cosmic joke, but
it looks like natural calamities have their positive
side too!
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