Monday, August 21 2006 12:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: The Indian community in the United States has stepped in to help the flood-affected people in Gujarat.

The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), an international socio-spiritual Hindu organization, is spearheading the effort, according to the Tampa Tribune.

The Indian community of Tampa Bay, Florida, has stepped in to help those affected by the floods.

Tampa is one of 50 locations across the United States where the Indian community held prayers and pledged to contribute to the relief funds.

Many Bay area Indians are originally from Gujarat and still have families living in the region.

"The money collected so far has been used to buy 255,705 food packets and 250,000 water pouches," said Kamlesh Darji, a member of the BAPS temple.

More than 1,500 BAPS volunteers are at present camping in Gujarat to help with the relief efforts.