Singapore, 11 December 2015 - Following the launch of an urgent fundraising appeal for South India for the communities affected by the floods. Singapore Red Cross (SRC) deployed its response team to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to help with relief items distribution and to conduct on-ground assessment. The team is made up of three volunteers and one staff. As of this morning, a total of S$154,000 was collected, including the contribution by the Government of Singapore, since the launch of appeal last Saturday.

SRC’s response team, which arrived on ground on Wednesday, 9 December, met with its Movement partner, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. On the following day, the team participated in IRCS’ distribution of more than 1,000 relief packs that contain items such as towel, mosquito nets, blanket and bread.

After visiting Surya Nagar and Kallukotai, Chennai, to understand the ongoing relief efforts and flood situation, the team will be heading to north and northeastern parts of Chennai today for further ground assessments and relief activities. The team will return to Singapore on Sunday, 13 December 2015.

“There is a steady stream of donors and volunteers who have come forward to support our efforts. The devastation caused by the floods is quite extensive and we can do more to help these communities worst affected by the floods. We would like to encourage the people of Singapore to continue to stand in solidarity with our friends in India who are affected by these catastrophic floods,” said Mr Benjamin William, SRC’s Secretary General/CEO.

Donors are now also able to contribute to the SRC ‘South India Floods Appeal’ via DBS/POSB ATM, DBS PayLah!, DBS iBanking and DBS mobile banking. For more information or step-by-step guide for donations, please visit: http://www.redcross.sg/news/donate-to-south-india-floods-2015

For photos, please download via http://we.tl/nctV2lzESC