World Vision responding to Sri Lanka floods and landslides

Thursday, May 19, 2016

World Vision is responding to floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, where more than 350,000 people have been affected and 223,000 people are sheltering in state-run welfare centres.

World Vision is working with the Sri Lanka government and other international agencies to respond effectively to the situation.

After three days of torrential rain and landslides that have buried at least three villages, the death toll early Thursday was 37, but was expected to rise, with more than 150 missing.

Among the dead is a World Vision sponsor child, who died while playing on a board floating on the flood waters, as well as two siblings of other sponsored children.

Sri Lanka president Maithripala Sirisena has ordered troops to help evacuate people living on slopes or in flood-hit areas, while the navy and the air force have also been called in to help with relief operations. Troops have been deployed for relief and rescue operations in the worst-affected central district of Kegalle.

Constant rain since Saturday has washed away roads and caused widespread damage, hampering rescue efforts.

Almost 8,000 families (more than 30,000 people) have been displaced in Wattala, where World Vision is providing hot food and sanitary kits for young children. Temporary camps have been established in schools and other common areas.

For World Vision comment in Australia, or Sri Lanka

Contact: Stuart Rintoul, World Vision Australia, +61 407 241 492

Media Releases, Emergencies, Flood, Sri Lanka

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