Amma has always led by example, and her senior disciples follow suit. Here, her senior disciples personally unload the food materials from the truck, distribute food packages to those affected by the flooding. They are joined by more than 500 volunteers providing food, clothing, rescue operations, medical attention and essential provisions. We also donated Rs. 5 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for emergency relief for those affected by the disaster.
Food for the flood affected in Chennai
23 Nov 2015, Chennai
Due to unusually heavy rainfall over the past few weeks, the Adyar River overflowed its banks, flooding thousands of houses in the Indian city of Chennai. Tens of thousands of people have been impacted by the flooding. In one of the hardest-hit areas — Choolaipallam, MGR Nagar, South Chennai — Led by Br. Vinayamrita, MAM volunteers have been providing free breakfast, lunch and dinner to the affected people since November 20th and continue to do so. About 1,000 people are being fed three times a day.
Boat rescue, food and clothing to the flood affected Chennai
Due to incessant heavy rain, many low-lying areas of the city of Chennai were inundated on the late night of 1st December. Water from the overflowing Adyar River submerged houses lying within a kilometer either side of the river, and floodwaters reached many other areas as well. Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected.
In many houses near the river, even the first floor was submerged, forcing people to take shelter on open terraces where they were exposed to rain and cold wind. They were stranded there as the water level on the streets in some areas was approximately 40 feet deep.
Amma sent volunteers to begin rescue operations in motor boats on December 2nd. Ashram residents and devotees courageously risked their own lives to rescue people who had been trapped by the rising floodwaters, using ropes to safeguard themselves from being carried away by powerful currents. Food, drinking water and new sets of clothing was provided for evacuees.
Packaged drinking water and food were supplied to those who preferred to stay in their homes. Even now, after the water has receded, our volunteers are continuing to provide meals for thousands of affected people each day.
Hundreds of thousands of sets of clothing were also distributed to the flood affected people of Chennai.
