Company set to sail with Mumbai flood relief

A shipping company in Dubai is doing its bit to help the flood-hit people of Mumbai, India, following unprecedented rains and damage to homes and property.

For K.V.K Swami, manager at Balaji Shipping, part of Transworld Group, it is not the first time the organisation has responded to natural disaster relief aid.

"During the tsunami disaster we sent container loads of cargo as relief to Chennai," he said.

This time around they are seeking cargo of mainly food items.

"We need mineral water, milk powder, sugar, rice, biscuits, pulses, tents, tarpaulins, blankets and medicines such as panadol, cough syrups and disposable syringes."

The items, and not cash, can be delivered to Ruby Cargo at Rashidiya or Transworld at Jebel Ali. They hope to send their first vessel either tomorrow or Tuesday.

"We expect to collect between 20 to 25 container loads of relief goods. So far, we have 3 containers of goods which have been contributed mostly by individuals.

"We do not want cash donations, only in kind. Desperately needed items are food products, especially mineral water," Swami said.

Although most of Mumbai has limped back to normal and flood waters have receded, the threat of water-borne diseases remains.

"It is important to provide clean, safe drinking water for those we try to assist," he said.

Distribution of goods will be handled by Transworld's agents in Mumbai.

"We have our own agents and clearing agents in Mumbai. They will handle all the clearance and distribution and work with charities to get the relief to people all over Mumbai who are most in need."

Those interested in contributing to the Mumbai flood relief can contact Swami on 050 5516483.