Goto main content

Floods in Sri Lanka: “Making access to food and drinking water a priority”

Emergency
Sri Lanka

Handicap International is preparing to launch a response in aid of the most vulnerable individuals affected by flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka, which was hit by Cyclone Roanu on 15 May.

Handicap International team evaluating the situation of Kegalle district villages affected by landsides. Some people lost their loved ones. Many of them lost their house, livelihood and are currently living in welfare camps. | S.Krishanthi/ Handicap International

Sri Lanka has experienced its worst flooding in 25 years after it was hit by Cyclone Roanu on 15 May, leaving more than 100 people dead and affecting 300,000 others. Up to 21,000 people have been displaced to temporary accommodation. Handicap International has joined forces with the government and other humanitarian organisations to assess the situation and identify the needs of those affected.

In urban districts, such as Colombo, the capital, the waste is piling up. We’re afraid there’s going to be a dengue epidemic .The priority is to make sure those affected have access drinking water and hygiene services,” explains Matteo Caprotti, director of Handicap International’s operations in Sri Lanka.

Flooding caused extensive damage to houses and farmland in rural districts. “We still don’t know exactly how much damage has been done, but we need to make sure people have enough food and can find ways to earn a livelihood. Some farmers have lost all of their clove trees, rice fields and tea plantations”.

Following the assessment, Handicap International is planning to work with the World Food Programme (WFP) to ensure the most vulnerable individuals affected by the disaster can access food. This response will be implemented in four of the country’s worst-affected districts: Colombo, Kegalle, Ratnapura and Gampaha.

 

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Jahanzeb Hussain

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

As mass starvation spreads across Gaza, our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away
© A. Osama / HI
Emergency Protect vulnerable populations Rights Supporting the Displaced Populations/Refugees

As mass starvation spreads across Gaza, our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away

As the Israeli government’s siege starves the people of Gaza, aid workers are now joining the same food lines, risking being shot just to feed their families. With supplies now totally depleted, humanitarian organisations are witnessing their own colleagues and partners waste away before their eyes.

« This war violates all the rules of international law »
© HI
Emergency Explosive weapons Rehabilitation

« This war violates all the rules of international law »

Johanne Mauger was in charge of operations in Gaza until last May. She recounts her experience in one of today's most pressing humanitarian crises.

In the DRC, Vanessa, a physiotherapist, helps malnourished children
© E. N’Sapu / HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

In the DRC, Vanessa, a physiotherapist, helps malnourished children

Vanessa, 26, is a physiotherapist specialising in stimulation therapy for malnourished children. She works at HI with displaced people in North Kivu, DRC.