Perinthalmanna (Malappuram): Though the people of Kavalappara were devastated during the landslide last year, it could not destroy the confidence and compassion in their mind. They survived the disaster and now are joining hands to help others by donating blood. 30 natives of Kavalappara reached the blood bank of Perinthalmanna district hospital the other day. As they had no money to help the people during COVID crisis, they decided to donate blood.

The landslide victims are still staying in relief camps. 27 out of 30 people who arrived under the leadership of Kavalappara colony group could donate blood on Monday. Suresh Babu, the elder brother of Aneesh who died during rescue mission, five cousins of Aneesh and Jayan who survived the disaster also were among the group. There are 150 families included in the colony group. All of them are daily wage workers.

"We arranged vehicle using a small amount we had. We have only this to help the people who helped us during the disaster. We thought of blood donation as we wanted to help others during the COVID outbreak," said Dileep, convenor of the colony group. The donors reached Perinthalmanna with Dileep and Saneesh, chairman of the group.

"Rehabilitation of the survivors has not been complete yet. There are warnings of heavy rains during next monsoon. By the time it ends, we have no idea how many of us would survive. We have only the confidence that we survived the disaster last time, so we will make it this year too. We won't be able to come for donating blood if rain starts. So, we came after making bookings in the blood bank," Dileep said.