Flood Relief Volunteer Management: A Case Study of Thiruvananthapuram District Administration

In August 2018, Kerala faced unprecedented floods, prompting a Red Alert in 13 out of 14 districts. With 433 casualties and over 14 lakh displaced individuals, Thiruvananthapuram district emerged as a key hub for disaster relief. Volunteer-driven initiatives played a pivotal role, establishing numerous relief material collection centres under the District Administration. This case study delves into the operational procedures of these centres, offering a retrospective analysis of volunteers’ life experiences. Utilizing a case study approach, data was gathered through participant observation and in-depth interviews. The findings highlight the functioning of relief material collection centres, volunteers’ motivations, their experiences in flood relief activities, and reflections on the transformative impact of volunteerism in their lives. The study also underscores opportunities for professional social work interventions in disaster volunteer management.