Dehradun: Bollywood actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has extended a helping hand to families affected by the recent flash floods in Uttarakhand, donating 50 multimedia phones to residents of Harsil and Dharali.
As per the News 18, the phones were distributed through the Bharat Disaster Relief Foundation (BDRF), a Gurugram-based non-profit working in the region.
Flood left many families homeless and cut off from communication
Earlier this month, devastating floods hit parts of Uttarkashi district, leaving many families homeless and cut off from communication. With homes, belongings, and mobile phones washed away, survivors struggled to contact their relatives and seek help. The lack of connectivity added to the fear and isolation in temporary shelters.
Farhan Akhtar sent 50 phones
Responding to the crisis, Farhan Akhtar sent 50 phones, each worth around Rs 7,000, after BDRF’s Divyanshu Upadhyay reached out to him for support. The phones were distributed among displaced families, helping them reconnect with loved ones and inform relatives about their safety. A volunteer involved in the distribution said, “People were relieved and emotional. After days of silence, they could finally speak to their families. It brought comfort and hope.”
BDRF has been actively working in the flood-hit areas
The BDRF has been actively working in the flood-hit areas, providing food, blankets, and mattresses to those living in shelters like dharamshalas. However, the absence of mobile phones has emerged as one of the biggest challenges. Many survivors were unable to reach out for medical help or coordinate with rescue teams.
Contribution is widely praised
Farhan’s contribution was praised not just for its practicality but also for its emotional impact. “This gesture may seem small, but it restored a sense of connection and dignity to people who had lost everything,” said a BDRF team member. The phones were distributed to families who had been relocated after their homes were damaged or destroyed. With several properties still under water or buried under debris, many residents continue to live in temporary shelters.
While food and shelter are essential, communication is also a lifeline—especially in remote areas where help can be delayed. The phones have not only helped families reconnect but also allowed them to access emergency services and stay informed about weather updates and relief efforts.