This month's issue of my newsletter was supposed to discuss the changes to Washington's Mandatory Arbitration Rules, which go into effect on September 1, 2018. However, I beg your indulgence as I delay that article for a week and send you this urgent plea for help instead.
For those unaware, there has been massive flooding in my family's home state of Kerala, India. Neither the U.S. media nor the Indian national media (which is focused on former Prime Minister Vajpayee's death) had been giving this much attention until this morning. I urge you to spread the word and contribute to disaster relief efforts.
For those unaware, there has been massive flooding in my family's home state of Kerala, India. Neither the U.S. media nor the Indian national media (which is focused on former Prime Minister Vajpayee's death) had been giving this much attention until this morning. I urge you to spread the word and contribute to disaster relief efforts.
According to this morning's New York Times, at least 220,000 people have been displaced. My aunt, uncle, and 80+ year old great aunt are among those who have had to evacuate their homes - my uncle paddled a kayak into my great aunt's living room to help her leave her home two days ago. The Indian government has declared a state of emergency; Army and Navy forces have been dispatched to assist.
My uncle and cousin are conducting ongoing rescue operations in their kayak; my uncle's factory grounds are being used as a staging point for distribution of food and supplies; and my 80+ year old great aunt is feeding people. Friends and distant relatives are stranded in their homes with no way to leave and no way to get to them. Please help if you can!
Here are some options for donations:
1. Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund
http://www.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/
My uncle and cousin are conducting ongoing rescue operations in their kayak; my uncle's factory grounds are being used as a staging point for distribution of food and supplies; and my 80+ year old great aunt is feeding people. Friends and distant relatives are stranded in their homes with no way to leave and no way to get to them. Please help if you can!
Here are some options for donations:
1. Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund
http://www.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/
This fund can accept international donations. It may not be able to get resources onto the ground quickly enough for immediate assistance, but will be useful for rebuilding efforts once the food water recede.
2. Round Table India Trust
Name of Bank: Indian Overseas Bank
Address of Bank: No:109 Utthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034
Account No. 018301000021223
Bank Swift Code: IOBAINBB001
RTGS/NEFT Code (IFSC): IOBA0000183
MICR Code: 6000 20007
My cousin Suraj George Verghese is an Ex-Area Chairman of this organization, which is set up to accept international relief funds.
THANK YOU!
2. Round Table India Trust
Name of Bank: Indian Overseas Bank
Address of Bank: No:109 Utthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034
Account No. 018301000021223
Bank Swift Code: IOBAINBB001
RTGS/NEFT Code (IFSC): IOBA0000183
MICR Code: 6000 20007
My cousin Suraj George Verghese is an Ex-Area Chairman of this organization, which is set up to accept international relief funds.
THANK YOU!
