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Torrential Rain Led to Severe Flooding in Sri Lanka: The Macau Red Cross Donated USD40,000 for Disaster Relief

Countries
Sri Lanka
Sources
Macau Red Cross
Publication date
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Landslides and flooding caused by persistent and torrential rain have hit many parts of Sri Lanka. This is the country’s worst natural disaster ever since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Hundreds of people are reported missing, dead, and over 650,000 people have been displaced after unusually heavy rain and storm which triggered widespread landslides, and caused rivers overflow in 15 districts of the western and southern region.

The Macau Red Cross is monitoring the situation, and has immediately donated 40,000 USD from Disaster and Relief Fund to Sri Lanka Red Cross through headquarters of China Red Cross. Before that, the Chinese government has donated disaster relief supplies worth RMB15,000,000 to the stricken regions, and the China Red Cross has contributed USD100,000 for emergency relief and sent a team of volunteers there to assist with the relief operation. According to Jagath Abeysinghe, the President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross, dengue is endemic in Sri Lanka and with so much standing water, conditions are ripe for mosquitoes to breed and spread the disease. Providing clean water and sanitation together with awareness on preventing communicable diseases is a critical part of their humanitarian response. Thousands of people have become homeless currently. Therefore, the Sri Lanka Red Cross has sent out over 800 emergency family packs to the victims, and also provided medical first aid services and clean drinking water to them. In addition, the Sri Lanka Red Cross has been promoting awareness on hygiene and prevention of infectious disease among the people.

In response to the urgent humanitarian needs, the International Federation of Red Cross has launched an international emergency appeal for USD 2.1 million on 2 June 2017. Through this appeal, Red Cross volunteers and staff will assist 40,000 people with emergency relief items and to help people recover their livelihoods. The Macau Red Cross will keep close contact with China Red Cross, and be ready to take necessary action for humanitarian response.