Activists prepare flood crisis kit

The kit will include comprehensive information on things that residents in low-lying areas need to do before the floods, to ensure personal safety and belongings, as well as a list of emergency numbers. In South Chennai, where areas like Mudichur and Tambaram were severely affected, an area-specific map will also be included, indicating safe areas where residents can take refuge in case of severe inundation. The kit, readied by activists and disaster management experts, will be distributed through schools, colleges and residents’  associations.

Arun Krishnamurthy, Founder, Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) said, “Last year, we realised the lack of information created a huge havoc. So the kit will tell people what they can do to stay safe. Those living near waterbodies will know where to go if their homes get flooded.”Aruna Subramaniam, Trustee of Bhoomika Trust which is also a part of the team that prepared the kit, said “We have recommended that community members takes turns to watch the situation, to ensure safety of everyone,” she concluded.