UPDATE:
The number of new cases has almost hit the 350,000 mark. The total number of covid cases in the country is just shy of 17 million. This is the situation as of 25 April 2021.
Things are dire. People are largely on their own now and help, if any, is yet to come.
President Biden is being urged to ease restrictions or remove to embargo on raw materials that could be critical in India's fight against the virus.
Just a while ago, the US government committed to helping with "a small supply of inputs and components from US companies for production of COVID-19 vaccines in India".
There are no specifics yet and time is of the essence.
Friends in the US, we know you're in the middle of your own fight. We want you safe.
No one needs to die. Things are bad but Indian lives can still be saved without costing American ones.
We've been allies for decades.
Please, please, please find it in your heart to help.
Take this message to other platforms. Spread the word. Those of you on Twitter, please use your voice to promote #indianeedsoxygen.
Most importantly, DONATE WHERE YOU CAN. As little as 5 dollars can make a difference right now.
As little 7 dollars can get someone a bed or an oxygen tank.
I've heard from multiple sources that the government-run PM CARES fund is not directing funds to where they're needed and while I don't have exact information, I would advise you to avoid this platform out of caution.
Some of you are rightly concerned about where your money is going.
Again, I do not represent any charity or NGO, am not affiliated with anyone and am not involved in any stage in the collection or distribution of your donations. I'm just a person doing whatever she can so please do a little bit of research to help you identify the best place to put your donation.
At the very least, please don't let this post die. Don't let more people die. Keep reblogging and yelling about it on social media.
As someone else pointed out in the notes, there is no central helpline. All we have is each other and the little we can do in the face of this chaos.
We're resorting to social media to get help and spread awareness. We have literally the same tools you do. Please don't let this die yet. Please get the word out if you can't do anything else.
Thank you so much and please, keep us in your thoughts.