Sri Lanka Floods Situation Report

The heavy pre-monsoon rains in Sri Lanka from 20 th to 26 th May, 2018 have claimed the lives of over 25 people and rendered 174,310 persons homeless in 20 Districts, as at today, according to statistics of the Ministry of Disaster Management.

Water levels of the main rivers and reservoirs have risen drastically resulting in the reservoirs gates being opened causing flooding of the low lying areas. There have been landslides reported from over five districts in the country and the residents of these areas have been evacuated to refugee camps/safe locations.

As a result of this tragic situation many of them have lost their belongings such as clothes, bedding, cooking utensils, furniture, school books, school uniforms, etc.,

Rescue operations are being conducted by the Armed Forces, Police and the officials of the Disaster Management Center who are also providing those affected with drinking water, sanitation, food and clothing.

Adverse weather conditions are now gradually subsiding and it is envisaged that within a few days, those who have been displaced could get back to their homes.

The next issue is sanitation and hygiene especially for women. The government machinery has also moved in, in a big way, providing immediate necessities and medical aid.

The United Nations Association of Sri Lanka is also working closely with the government and other voluntary organizations in providing relief to the affected persons.

The relief operations and other logistics are under control at this moment and once the floods subside, there would evolve huge issues to be addressed and the UNA Sri Lanka is gearing itself to meet this challenge.

There would be a dire need for items, such as water and sanitation, kitchen cooking utensils, clothes, mosquito nets, rubber slippers, female sanitary packs, mats and mattresses, bed sheets, towels, match boxes, milk powder, dry rations (rice, dhal, sugar, canned fish, noodles, dry fish, soya, etc.), soap & tooth paste, etc.,

The UNA Sri Lanka would welcome donations of the above items for distribution among the needy and a collection center has been established at the UNA – Sri Lanka, Secretariat at No. 39/1, Cyril Jansz Mawatha, Panadura, where these items could be delivered.

International donor assistance in the form of donations in cash or kind, are earnestly request in this hour of need and are also most welcome which could be directed to:

Mr. Errol Smith,
Secretary-General,
United Nations Association of Sri Lanka,
39/1, Cyril Jansz Mawatha,
Panadura 12500, Sri Lanka
E-mail: esmithsjak@sltnet.lk / unasl@slt.lk
Bank Account No. 0050-131936-001 at
Seylan Bank, Panadura Branch, Panadura. Sri Lanka
Swift Code: SEYBLKLX SEYLAN BANK PLC COLOMBO SRI LANKA

28 th May, 2018