Google on Tuesday introduced that it has launched an SOS Alert function for Assam floods to let customers near the affected areas take a look at emergency telephone numbers, web sites, and maps instantly utilizing Google Search. Alongside Google Search, Google Maps is highlighting the affected areas to help rescue groups and folks planning to present support to the locals impacted because of the flood state of affairs. Google.org, the charitable arm of Google, individually introduced a grant to assist community-based organisations offering assist to folks within the affected areas.

The launch of the SOS Alert has enabled customers to get updates from authoritative native and nationwide sources by looking for “Assam floods” or “Assam floods emergency resources” on Google Search. People near the affected areas additionally see emergency telephone numbers, web sites, and maps to get related assist.

For customers who’re exterior the affected space, looking for Assam floods will present an SOS alert with well timed updates of the state of affairs, Google said in a weblog put up.

Users may take help from Google Maps to offer support to folks within the affected areas. It highlights the areas the place the flood has closely impacted.

In 2017, Google launched SOS Alert as an built-in function inside its Search and Maps merchandise to tell folks in a disaster state of affairs. The firm takes info from native authorities to indicate them on high of search outcomes.

Since the launch, the function has been activated in varied causes of human-caused and pure disasters together with floods and earthquakes.

Google.org additionally individually introduced the grant of $500,000 (roughly Rs. 3.93 crore) to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. The firm stated that will probably be aimed “to support community-based organisations working to provide emergency support and long-term recovery in the affected areas.”

Additionally, Google launched a marketing campaign to match one hundred pc of what its staff donate for the disaster. Google Pay has additionally included Spots for Smile Foundation and Goonj to let customers donate funds in direction of flood reduction efforts in Assam. The firm stated that it might proceed to incorporate extra organisations which are operating fundraising efforts for the flood reduction.

The ongoing flood state of affairs has affected as many as 2,254 villages and 22 districts in Assam. The devastating flood has additionally impacted a complete inhabitants of over 21 lakh, in line with the current knowledge shared by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

Due to many areas submerged within the state, a minimum of 134 folks misplaced their lives, with eight deaths reported on Monday.