The devastating floods that hit the Konkan region of Maharashtra in 2021 left communities in distress, with many people losing their homes, livelihoods, and basic necessities. The situation in areas like Mahad and Chiplun was especially dire, as these regions were submerged under water, cutting off access to food, medicines, and daily essentials.
Amid this crisis, several organizations and individuals stepped forward to provide much-needed relief. One such remarkable effort came from the Help Yourself Foundation, led by its founders Dr. Akhtar Hasan Rizvi and Adv. (Mrs.) Rubina Akhtar Hasan Rizvi. Driven by a strong sense of social responsibility, they immediately took action to support the flood-affected victims by donating essential supplies.
The foundation generously contributed:
- ● 2 lakh Doxycycline tablets, crucial for preventing the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
- ● 500 ration kits, each containing essential food supplies such as 2 kg of aata (wheat flour), 2 kg of rice, 1 kg of daal (pulses), 1 kg of sugar, 1 liter of cooking oil, and ¼ kg of tea powder. These ration kits provided families with the means to prepare meals during the challenging period.
- ● 500 daily needs kits, which included critical items for hygiene and survival, such as a chatai (floor mat), a blanket, a Dettol soap, a packet of candles, matchsticks, 1 kg of detergent (Wheel), a 500 ml sanitizer bottle, a packet of 10 N95 masks, a packet of 20 sanitary pads, and a packet of 20 Band-Aids. These kits were designed to ensure the basic hygiene, safety, and comfort of those displaced by the floods.
The delivery of these items to Mahad and Chiplun was an act of immense compassion and dedication to the welfare of others. The combination of essential food, medical supplies, and daily necessities was critical in helping the flood victims recover, stay healthy, and regain their strength during this challenging time.
Dr. Akhtar Hasan Rizvi and Adv. (Mrs.) Rubina Akhtar Hasan Rizvi's contribution to the Konkan flood relief highlights the power of community support and empathy. Their generous donations, through the Help Yourself Foundation, provided not only material aid but also hope to hundreds of affected families.
In times of crisis, it is organizations like these that inspire others to join in and make a difference. The efforts of the Help Yourself Foundation demonstrate how kindness and timely intervention can significantly impact the lives of those in need.