#ChennaiRainsHelp: Bangalore-based Startups Rise to the Cause

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While donations are pouring in for those caught in the Chennai floods, there are a bunch of city-based startups who are offering assistance and special services to do their bit. Not the kinds to blow their own charitable trumpets, they’ve kept it low and pulled in resources to mobilise funds. So we’re doing our bit by connecting you good folk who want to pitch in with these good samaritans. From allowing you to donate food or groceries to listing out necessary medical information, here’s how you can #HelpChennai

Supertext

Supertext {a chat interface-based startup that provides information as well as delivery services} offers to connect you to flood control rooms, helpline numbers, relief centers and NGOs in Chennai. All you have to do is text or Whatsapp 911 to their contact number 8884455506, and you’ll be given the right instruction based on how you want to help out.

Contact: +91 8884455506

For more details, message them on their Facebook here.

Lookup

If you’re based in a safer part of Chennai and would like to list your place as a shelter, give a missed call to Lookup {a message-based app that lets you connect with local businesses and shops} and they will spread the word. They have also tied up with volunteers of Bhumi {a Chennai-based non-profit organisation} to pickup donations for those in need.

Give a missed call on +91 7676566587 to list your place as a shelter.

For more details, message them on Facebook here.

Eatlo

This new food delivery service in town has also joined the list of startups to reach out to those stranded in Chennai by offering to collect food items from offices in Koramangala and HSR. Food items which can be stored at room temperature and have good shelf life {biscuits, rice, pulses, noodles, tetrapack juices} are welcome.

To arrange a pick-up, tweet to them at @eatloapp or message them on their Facebook here.

Zoomcar

The Bangalore-based self-drive car rental service’s Chennai office has rolled out free pick-up and drop services to the nearest hospitals for those in the city.

To avail the service, tweet to them at @ZoomcarCHN or call them on their hotline 044 42052772

Big Basket

Do your bit towards Chennai relief efforts along with Big Basket {the city-based online grocery store}. Join them in their Namma Chennai Relief initiative and donate grocery essentials like water, biscuits, wheat, dal and rice, among others while Big Basket donates 50% of your total contribution.

To donate grocery items, head to the Namma Chennai Relief page here.

Practo

Practo, an online healthcare management service, has put together a e-spreadsheet with details {locality and contact number} of verified doctors and hospitals available for help in Chennai. The list is updated on an hourly basis and can be accessed on their social media pages.

Find the list here.

Ola

Ola has created safe zones in Chennai  which are equipped with first aid facilities and necessary relief supplies.

For further details and helpline numbers, check out their blog post here.