Kozhikode: Nearly 4,000 volunteers registered by the Kozhikode district administration by making use of a single WhatsApp number pitched in for flood relief. The online platform, termed as 'Out Box', will act as an emergency contact for those in distress.
The collective formed under the leadership of district collector UV Jose could easily gather a vibrant bunch of youngsters, who fanned out in different taluks to reach out to flood victims.
By introducing a single WhatsApp number (6282998949), the district administration tried to connect to each of the registered volunteers personally. Under 'Out Box', 15 to 20 groups were formed and assigned relief works in four taluks of the district, said Anoop G, who manages the group.
As the relief works in the districts are nearing the final stage, the district administration plans to utilise the organised manpower for any such mass involvement in the future too.
“When a person sends a message, and immediately gets a direct reply from the collector, they feel more connected. This is more effective than any announcement on a Facebook page or group. Volunteers in different areas might be getting different tasks according to the needs of that particular area. If the number of volunteers in an area falls short, people from another location can be contacted and de[loyed in places they are needed,” Anoop revealed.
The volunteers registered under various Akshaya centres across the state for relief works were also channelised to coordinate the relief works under 'Out Box'.
