Kerala is facing the worst floods since 1924. Bollywood urges fans to contribute for relief
Bollywood actors have donated crores for relief funds in Kerala, struck by the deadly deluge. Not only the stars, their fan clubs have pitched in to garner as much support as possible so that people donate generously for the lakhs who are at relief camps.
Actors have taken to social media to spread the message. Amitabh Bachchan has expressed concern over the "frightening" situation in the state, where 164 people have died since August 8 and several are missing. Mr Bachchan appealed to people to contribute towards relief fund for the state.
Other celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor have donated and tweeted support for Kerala.
Actor Hrithik Roshan wrote, "The situation in Kerala is critical. Help is required. Please let's come forward and do whatever we can. Our friends in Kerala need us right now. I have contributed a sum and I request you all to do whatever you can".
Oscar winner Resul Pookutty, who is from Kerala is personally part of the massive relief operations. He has thanked the stars who have donated and tweeted, urging people to come forward and help.
And in a huge show of solidarity, Kolkata's soccer giant East Bengal raised funds from the spectators after their Calcutta Football League match against Aryan Club on Saturday night. Striker Joby Justin, who is from Kerala, was at the fore front with a banner, which read ''Save Kerala, save humanity'' and went around the entire ground to collect funds, after the game which they won 3-0.
"I will remember this for my entire life. When I will become a former footballer and sitting in Kerala, this is a story I will tell my grandchildren," said Justin.
The Centre has set up over 3,750 medical camps in Kerala to prevent the breakout of diseases. "While no outbreak of any communicable disease has been reported, health experts say that once the floodwaters start to recede, the environment will become conducive for epidemic diseases," a health ,ministry statement said.
After an appeal from the Kerala government, the "first batch of 90 types of medicines in requested quantity" will reach the state on Monday said the ministry.