Flooding in Sri Lanka – Appeal & Update
Last Updated (Thursday, 31 March 2011 20:27)
February 7, 2011
Dear Colleagues,
We have been seeing reports of the new flooding in Sri Lanka in the media and here we share the latest update from the National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka.
We again ask your support towards the emergency relief efforts of the YMCAs in Sri Lanka. We thank those Movements that have already responded to our Appeal.
Please continue praying for all YMCA leaders and staff as they respond to the immediate needs of the affected communities and families including the affected YMCAs.
With kind regards,
Cristina
National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Floods - Situation Updates
Report by Mr. Lakhsan Dias, National General Secretary, NCYSL
(5th February 2011)
2nd round of floods displaced 800,000 people! 13 killed, 5 missing
Flood situation in Sri Lanka has reached dangerous levels as the downpour continues submerging several vulnerable areas in water. According to official figures number of affected people has shot up to 800,000 to 1,000,000. Actual figures are not available since several areas are cut off from rest of the country. 13 persons are killed and 5 are missing due to this second round of floods.
The significant development is that most of the tanks and reservoirs are threatening to breach,
which would have catastrophic consequences, submerging villages and highly populated cities endangering human lives. To avoid this, officials are forced to open the spill gates after warning
people to move to safer areas.
Number of affected districts has increased to 14.
In addition to the 9 YMCAs that were affected in the Eastern Province (please see update dated
4th February 2011) 3 YMCAs in the north have appealed for assistance. They are Mannar YMCA, Kilinochchi YMCA and Mullaitivu YMCA.
Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu YMCA’s lost their infrastructure during the war and now NCY is in the process of reviving them.
We received the following appeal from Mannar YMCA this morning-
Mannar YMCA- Mr. Kingsly
“The largest tank in the Mannar district called “Giant Tank” has breached and the water is surging into surrounding villages. People are fleeing to schools and churches in higher grounds. Transport from Mannar town is disrupted and it is feared Mannar could face a food shortage”
Kilinochchi YMCA- Mr. James
Mr. James President of Kilinochchi YMCA reported that Iranamadu tank is overflowing and the water has submerged a village called Ulavanoor. He described the pathetic tale of the 220 families living here and now fled to schools and relatives houses:
“The 220 families were displaced during the 30 year war and roamed place to place to avoid the shelling and gunfire. After the war they were liberated by the military and put up in IDP Camps in Manik Farm, Vavuniya. Their movements were restricted and they spent almost 2 years in the camp. When they were released they returned to their place of origin and lived in huts without water or sanitary facilities. Most of the men and women did menial work in surrounding areas. Floods have worsened their sufferings. The people and little babies are considerably undernourished”
Mr. James further says that the Assistant Government Agent of the area has appealed to YMCA
and other organization to provide dry rations for these families and has forwarded us the requirements and budget.
Mullitivu YMCA- Dr. T.V. Jeyakularajah
Dr. T. V. Jayakularajah contacted us last night and informed that strong winds and rains are battering the area and severel families are already moving out of their houses. Since then we are unable to contact him.
Ancient City in Danger
Meanwhile continuing rains have caused the tanks to reach spill levels and spill gates were opened in all tanks in Batticaloa, Ampara, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura and Plolonnaruwa Districts. This has caused the water to surge into low lying areas. It was announced that ancient city Anuradhapura could submerge any moment.
(For more information visit http://srilanka-ymca.org)
YMCA Relief by Vehicles & Boats
Sri Lanka YMCA commenced Relief Operation on the 4th of February, as the appeals started pour into NCY Secretariat. This was made possible with the coordination of the Disaster Management Committees assigned in YMCAs recently.
As the gravity of the flood situation became known, Disaster Management Committee of NCY with the coordination of National Secretary Mr. Lakshan Dias together with president, Sri Lanka YMCA Mr. Aruna Santha Nonis sprang into action
Badly affected YMCA areas were identified and after discussion with the local Disaster Management Committees the YMCAs were advised to go ahead with their relief distribution, as quickly as possible.
Kallar YMCA distributes relief items
Kallar YMCA coordinated with the government Divisional Secretary and identified 250 families who were in urgent need of food items. These 250 families were accommodated in 2 schools and one community hall. This morning (05th Feb) Kallar YMCA distributed dry rations; rice, dhal (lentils), coconuts, tea leaves, sugar and other essential items for today’s lunch and dinner. Tomorrow for breakfast the families will get hot, hot bread and spicy dhal curry.
Support to 1500 families
NCY’s Disaster Management Committee has decided to support 1500 families affected by this 2nd round of floods. From yesterday (4th Feb), all the YMCAs started their relief operation. While this report is being written, the relief items are being packed in individual bags at YMCAs.
Disaster Management Committee initially gave the green light for 7 YMCAs in the Eastern
Province. They are-
1. Vavuniya- 350 families
2. Trincomalee 200
3. Ampara 150
4. Valaichenai 200
5. Mandoor 200
6. Kallar 200
7. Batticaloa 200
Most of the above YMCAs are to transport the items in vehicles to the identified camps. Trincomalee YMCA has arranged a boat to transport the items since their target-camp is not accessible by road.
We will carry reports and photographs of these distributions in our next update
Situation Update- Floods (4 February 2011)
Floods hit Sri Lanka for the second time in 4 weeks!
4 Killed. 100,000 Affected
Heavy rains and floods have played havoc in 9 districts in Sri Lanka displacing almost 100,000 people. According to the minister for Disaster Management 43,738 families are affected and 12,000 houses are destroyed. 3 deaths are reported. Another 2 are missing. This is the second time within 4 weeks, some of the districts are ravaged by floods. In early January 800,000 people were affected in the Eastern Province alone.
This times the floods causing great concern. National General Secretary of Sri Lanka YMCA and the team visiting Northern Province on 4th February, to reclaim YMCAs lost to the 30 year old war, were forced to turn back half way. They were unable to pass Anurahapura. Security Officials warned that dams are breached and water is rushing towards the city. Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, Vavuniya and Matale are affected by the floods this time.
The Minister said all tanks in the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa areas are overflowing while a similar situation was reported in the Ampara District where all except one tank have started to overflow. In Trincomalee, as of last evening, several tanks were overflowing. Nine YMCAs in the Eastern Province are affected and I received the following updates while communicating with them-
Ampara YMCA – Bro. M. M. H. Siriwardana
Severe floods has devastated Ampara district especially the suburbs of Ampara. In some areas the water level has reached 9 ft. Six Sluice gates of Iginiyagala reservoir are opened up to 4 ft to avoid overspill or damage to the reservoir. It is feared that canals at left and right sides of the same irrigation system under Iginiyagala reservoir could create further floods. We had contacted the YMCA of Ampara and they have done an inspection in the district. According to Bro. Siriwardana, Hony Secretary of Ampara YMCA, 10 villages are under water in Ampara district. The villages are Galmaduwa, Valathapitiya, Samapura, Suduwalla, Adaloya, Mahaoya, Damana, Deegawapiya, Waripathanchanai and Eragama. An operation has been launched by the district officials to rescue people trapped by water. Affected families are accommodated in temporary shelters in schools and temples situated at higher grounds. Officials have announced that all schools in the district will remain closed until further notice. Bro Siriwardena pleaded, “Giant trees are uprooted and lying on the middle of the roads, we have no access to the city. Roads are inundated. Officials have predicted that a Cyclone could hit the Eastern part within days. We are fighting to help the displaced families with dry rations. Please help us…”
Akkaraipattu – Mr. K. Arulanantham
Continuing rain has also affected Akkaraipattu YMCA area. This is a low-lying area, where paddy fields occupy one third of the land area. According to Mr. K. Arulanantham, Hon Secretary, 2 villages, Thewukalai and Ithiyadi are threatened by floods. Situation here is not so serious like some other parts in the East. Families are still in their homes and watching the situation. Schools are closed in the area.
Baticaloa – Mr. D. D. David
The other badly affected area is Batticaloa district. This is the second time in 4 weeks this area is experiencing the fury of the floods and strong winds. Here the rain is continuing and police are going around warning people to move to shelters. According to information provided by Mr. D.D. David, Gen Secretary, in one area affected people are trying to move to shelters but are unable to cross Paddiruppu Bridge. Villages called Vellavelli, Mahiloor, and Eruvil are marooned and efforts are made to reach them by boat. People affected by flood have begun to leave their homes taking refuge in schools and temporary camps. All schools are closed. Batticaloa - Valaichchenai road is closed with 4 feet of water flowing in some places. Transport to Colombo has come to a standstill. As people started to move into shelters, Batticaloa YMCA staff got together and cooked meals to distribute among affected people coming from Western Zone of Batticaloa. The Gen Secretary said that they would be able to support about 200 people in that area.
Kaluwanchikudy - Mr. Sudharshan
President of Kaluwanchikudy YMCA Mr. K.E. Sudharshan’s report was also the same. They are unable to move from their homes. The main road is flooded and blocked by fallen trees. As a result, there is no road transportation.
Komari – Mr. Alvis
At the time this report is compiled situation in Komari is somewhat not serious. However, official warnings are being issued to be wary of rising water levels it is much safer for people to move to higher grounds. According to Mr. Alwis, all schools are closed in the area. It is feared the situation could become worse.
Kalmunai YMCA – Mr. J. B. Bartholomeusz
According to information we received from Kalmunai the area experienced heavy rainfall and some part of Kalmunai area is not accessible by road. Continuous rain is raising the water levels. Police have warned that situation could worsen and people need to take precautionary measures.
Mr. J. B. Bartholomeusz, General Secretary of Kalmunai YMCA while speaking to NCY said 5 villages are affected by floods in his area. Schools are closed here.
Mandur YMCA – Mr. Ramakirshna
Mandur YMCA president Mr. T. Ramakirshna said that rain is continuing relentlessly for the last three days coupled with strong winds and now the area is under water. All the schools and main shops are closed. People are unable to move from their homes.
Thuraineelawanai – Mr. K. Packiarajah
The situation in Thuraineelawanai is also similar to that of Kalmunai. It is feared that in the next few hours the flood situation could worsen further. According to the information of Mr. K. Packiarajah, Hon Secretary of Thuraineelawanai YMCA, people are bracing for a disaster.
Trincomalee YMCA – Mr. J.A. Prabu
Fishing villages close to the sea are completely under water. For the 3rd day it is raining continuously and it is expected the situation could worsen. People are advised to move to shelters.
The hill country is experiencing heavy rains and consequently water levels are increasing in the Eastern Province.
Immediate Response
The Secretariat of the National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka is in consultation with the Disaster Preparedness Committee. National YMCA’s President Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis has initiated an immediate Response Scheme to support displaced families. Now NCY is in the “Phase of Immediate Response”. We were informed that some YMCAs have joined with area Churches and converted YMCA buildings into Community Kitchens, to provide cooked meals to affected people.
According to officials the rain and weather conditions could persist for another 5 days (up to 10th February). Already water levels in Kalawewa, Rajanganawewa, Nuwara Wewa, Nachiduwa Wewa, Tissa Wewa, Wahalkadawewa, Wilachiya Wewa and Mahakandarawa Wewa in the Anuradhapura have reached spill levels forcing Irrigation Department officials to open spill gates.
Nearly 22,000 cubic feet of water had been released from Kalawewa which resulted in the inundation of several roads. The water flow from Kalaoya had also resulted in the increase of water levels in the Rajangana Tank.
Situation Updates
The National Council secretariat is in constant touch with the YMCAs in affected areas and preparing to meet their requirements immediately. We will continue to update the flood situation to friends and partners around the world. Disaster Preparedness Committee is studying all reports and coordinating in the relief efforts.
We seek the support of local and international partners further to what most of you have shared in the past 2 weeks. For all information you can browse our website and contact Mr. Lakshan Dias, National General Secretary, Mr. Prasanna Peiris, Junior Executive Secretary responsible for Disaster Preparedness Committee and Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis, President, National YMCA of Sri Lanka.