The disaster in Sri Lanka is deepening as a result of a second wave of flooding in the country. One million people in Sri Lanka have already been affected by the first wave of flooding.
| “The situation is alarming as people who recently returned to their homes after last month’s flooding have been forced to flee again.” Thusitha Siriwardana, Oxfam’s Campaign Manager in Sri Lanka |
The disaster in Sri Lanka is deepening as a result of a second wave of flooding in the country. One million people in Sri Lanka have already been affected by the first wave of flooding.
“These fresh floods could not have occurred at a worse time. The situation is alarming as people who recently returned to their homes after last month’s flooding have been forced to flee again,” said Thusitha Siriwardana, Oxfam’s Campaign Manager in the country. “Needs are immense and the affected population is being exposed to fresh dangers after the latest round of flooding.”
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| Fresh dangers in Sri Lanka as a second round of flooding hits. |
The recent floods have been widespread, affecting 18 districts in the Eastern, Northern, Central and North-Central Provinces. More than a million people have been affected in the new flooding and over 320,000 have been forced into temporary shelters. Damage to houses, roads and farmlands has further intensified. Many areas are still inaccessible making it difficult to conduct rescue and relief operations and to assess the extent of damage.
Siriwardana said, “The situation is critical. In addition to the massive humanitarian needs there are long-term concerns regarding food security as well. The floods are likely to destroy more than 90 per cent of the paddy cultivation in the affected districts.
“The international community needs to do more for people affected by the floods. So far only US$11.6 million has been received towards the flood response.”
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| Oxfam water distribution in the town of Kinniya. |
Oxfam was already supporting 120,000 people in the Eastern and North-Central Provinces with basic items including food and water. The agency is responding to the latest wave of flooding as well and has reached affected populations with cooked food, water, tarpaulins, and hygiene items. Oxfam has also been providing rescue services.
