Guwahati, Aug. 8 -- Javed Saikia, a Bengaluru-based tech entrepreneur from Assam, was working on Monday, July 20, when the news of incessant rain and heavy flooding from four districts in his home state started flashing on television channels and appearing on social media feeds.

It was the day after a rise in water levels of the Dikhow and other rivers was recorded following a few days of heavy rainfall. It led to large scale devastation, loss of lives and the displacement of thousands of residents.

Through the day, Saikia grew restless as the flooding worsened in Assam and he was at a loss how to help those affected back home.

Saikia learnt that many citizens from across Assam and outside the state had started sending money and goods ...