AN urgent appeal to raise vital funds for those affected by the devastating floods in Kerala has been launched in Redditch.

The Indian state has been hit by unprecedented flooding since June, killing nearly 400 people and destroying the houses of thousands of families.

The Redditch Kerala Cultural Association (RKCA) is now raising funds for those affected.

Member Lizomon Mapranath contacted Redditch MP Rachel Maclean over the weekend, who has thrown her support behind the appeal.

She said: “I’m sure you all have seen the images on the news of the devastation left behind by the unprecedented flooding in Kerala.

"Hundreds of homes have been destroyed and thousands of people have been displaced.

"The huge loss of life is truly heartbreaking and my thoughts are with everyone affected.

“Over the weekend, Lizomon Mapranath got in touch with me to let me know that Redditch is playing its part in helping those affected by the devastating floods in Kerala.

"Lizomon has asked if you can spare anything at all, no matter how small, please do donate it online on the Government of Kerala’s website, donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in. I will be.

“Since I was elected as Redditch’s MP I have seen how incredibly generous our town is and how our community will always do whatever it can to help those in need. I’m certain our town will extend this generosity and compassion to the people of Kerala.”

Redditch is home to 100 families from Kerala, many of whom work at the Alexandra Hospital and Rockline Industries.

About 99 per cent of their families who still live in the Southern Indian state have been affected by the recent flooding, according to Lizomon Mapranath.