OREANDA-NEWS. Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford, is taking steps to provide emergency assistance for flooding victims in Chennai, India. Ford Fund will donate $100,000 in immediate grants to local emergency relief organizations, along with $50,000 for ongoing rebuilding efforts. Ford also will match all employee donations to the Chennai Relief Fund up to a total of $100,000.

The torrential rain in Chennai triggered flooding that has killed more than 180 people and forced thousands of families from their homes. Contributions will help purchase food, water, medicine and other emergency supplies.

“These historic floods have paralyzed communities where thousands of people live and work,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Ford and its employees are committed to meeting basic needs and helping bring comfort to those struggling to overcome the devastation. We hope these contributions will accelerate recovery efforts and ease some of the pain from these destructive floods.”

Chennai is often called the “Detroit of India” for its automobile industry, which includes Ford and several other automakers.