Caritas activates emergency relief in Sri Lanka
International
Caritas Australia is urgently responding to the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka where more than 108,000 people are sheltering in emergency centres.
The relief work is part of its Asia Storms Appeal launched last month to support communities affected by severe storms in the Philippines and Vietnam.
A state of public emergency has been declared with Sri Lanka experiencing one of its worst weather emergencies in recent years after Cyclone Ditwah hit on November 28.
At least 330 lives have been lost with another 370 people missing. More than 20,000 homes have been destroyed with rescue operations continuing under extremely dangerous conditions.
Floodwaters have inundated homes, roads, bridges and agricultural lands, while landslides have destroyed houses and buried entire communities, especially in the central and up-country regions.
In response to the emergency, Caritas Sri Lanka has activated its 13 diocesan centres to provide immediate relief and is working closely with local authorities to assist affected communities. A 24-hour relief collection point has also been established in Colombo to gather essential items for distribution.
Sally Thomas, Humanitarian manager at Caritas Australia, said damage to roads, rail lines and bridges remain while electricity and water outages are threatening the safety and health of civilians.
“Continual rainfall also means the risk of further landslides, mudflows and flash floods remains extremely high, which is terrifying for communities,” she said.
The storm has wreaked havoc across the wider Asia region, with the death toll surpassing 600 across Indonesia and Thailand, according to media reports. Caritas Australia remains in contact with partners in these countries to assess needs and determine whether additional support will be required.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by these catastrophic storms,” said Ms Thomas. “Caritas Australia is committed to standing in solidarity with our partners and communities across Asia during this time of crisis.”
Donations to the Asia Storms Appeal will support emergency relief and recovery efforts in Sri Lanka, as well as continued relief efforts in Vietnam and the Philippines.
To support Caritas Australia’s Asia Storms Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/asia-storms or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
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