Reaching Out in the Rains: Our Relief Efforts During the 2018 Floods

In August 2018, Kerala witnessed one of the most devastating floods in its history. The relentless monsoon rains turned rivers into raging torrents, swallowed roads, and submerged village. Thousands of families lost their homes, belongings, and in some cases, their livelihoods—all in a matter of days.

As the visuals of the destruction poured in and the scale of the tragedy unfolded, it struck a deep chord within each of us at Changathikkoottam Charitable Trust. Though far from home—many of us living abroad—we could not stay idle. We knew we had to act.

Rising to the Call

Within hours, phone calls were made, and our WhatsApp group lit up with messages of concern, ideas, and most importantly—action plans. Our members quickly mobilized resources, coordinating with trusted local volunteers and ground-level contacts in Wayanad to understand the immediate needs of affected families.

From basic food items to essential clothing, hygiene kits to baby formula—lists were drawn up, funds were pledged, and procurement began almost immediately. Despite the logistical hurdles due to damaged roads and disrupted communication, we managed to get the relief materials to the district within days.

What We Delivered

Our first wave of support focused on immediate necessities:

• Rice, lentils, oil, salt, sugar, and ready-to-eat food packets

• Sanitary napkins, soap, and disinfectants

• Bedsheets, towels, and essential clothing

• Drinking water and basic medical supplies

• Baby food and diapers for young children

With the support of local volunteers, these kits were distributed directly to relief camps and families in the worst-affected areas. Our team ensured that help reached those in real need—not just in the main towns but in remote hamlets where aid had yet to arrive.

More Than Just Materials

What we distributed was not just material support—it was a message of care and solidarity. Many families were overcome with emotion that people from far away, many of whom they had never met, were thinking of them, standing by them in their hour of need.

For us, too, it was a moment of transformation. As a newly-formed trust, the Kerala floods became the first major outreach that tested our values, unity, and purpose. It brought our members closer, not just in friendship but in shared responsibility.

What We Learned

The experience taught us many things:

• The power of collective action, even when geographically spread out

• The value of trusted local networks in times of crisis

• The importance of quick, transparent decision-making in a disaster

• And above all, that small efforts—when done with heart—can make a big difference

A Promise Renewed

Since then, Changathikkoottam Charitable Trust has taken up many causes—supporting medical treatments, helping children and assisting families in distress. However, the flood of 2018 will always remain a special chapter in our story. It was where our resolve was tested—and where we stood tall.

Today, as we look back, we do so not just to recount the past but to remind ourselves and others: When we come together, no storm is too big, no distance too far.

Let this story be a beacon of what we can achieve when compassion leads the way.