Photos by Arosha, Victoria & Yamesh 

Report by Victoria 

A Flooded Nation in Despair 

In mid-October 2024, Sri Lanka found itself battling devastating floods, the worst to hit the country in recent years. Over 134,000 people across the island were affected, with homes submerged, roads rendered impassable, and entire communities cut off from aid. Schools in Colombo and its surrounding areas were closed as torrential rains pounded the region from October 11-13, leaving thousands stranded and desperate. Amid this chaos, three lives were tragically lost, and many others were left fighting to survive. The government’s relief efforts, while substantial, often overlooked smaller, remote areas like Paragastotha, Millaniya, where help was desperately needed but slow to arrive. 

Inoka's Selfless Spirit Shines 

Inoka, a Tzu Chi volunteer and a resident of Millaniya, found herself among those affected by the flooding. Her home was under water, her daily life in disarray. Yet, even in the face of personal loss, her first thought was not for herself but for her neighbors. She contacted the Tzu Chi Colombo Office, urgently requesting assistance for her community. Her unwavering commitment to helping others, despite her own struggles, stood as a beacon of hope and resilience in a time of despair. 

"I believe it's more important to lend a hand to those in need than to worry about my own inconveniences," Inoka said, embodying the spirit of compassion that Tzu Chi volunteers are known for. 

Swift Humanitarian Response 

Despite the challenging conditions, the local volunteers responded swiftly, coordinating efforts to provide immediate aid. Volunteers prepared 330 packs of hot vegetarian meals and biscuits, which were distributed to 105 families in Millaniya on October 12. The journey to deliver these essential supplies, though usually a mere 45-minute drive from the Tzu Chi Office, took over 1.5 hours due to flooded roads and detours. But the volunteers’ determination to reach those in need was unwavering. 

Just a few days later, on October 15, another 125 hot meal packs were delivered to 32 more families, extending Tzu Chi’s support to even more affected households. Altogether, a total of 455 meals and 910 packs of biscuit were provided to 137 families across five Grama Niladhari Divisions, ensuring that no one went hungry during this critical period. 

A Community United  

The power of community shone brightly during this difficult time. Wasantha, a local businessman and friend of Tzu Chi volunteer Ruwan, offered his double cab vehicle to aid in the distribution of relief items. Ruwan also brought his own vehicle to ensure enough volunteers could travel safely to the affected areas. Their generosity was crucial, as the Tzu Chi van was undergoing repairs, and without their support, it would have been much harder to reach the isolated villages in Millaniya. 

The Grama Niladhari officers, local village authorities familiar with the community’s needs, also played an instrumental role. They helped verify which families were most in need of immediate assistance and worked side by side with Tzu Chi volunteers to ensure that aid was distributed efficiently and fairly. 

Overcoming Obstacles Together 

Delivering the aid was not without its challenges. The floodwaters in some areas were waist-deep, making it difficult for volunteers to access certain homes. Many families, trapped inside their houses, had to wade through the floodwaters to receive their meals. But despite these obstacles, the volunteers persisted. They waited patiently as 18 families, who had been relocated to the area after the 2004 tsunami, crossed the flooded terrain to collect the food. 

One of the Grama Niladhari officers remarked on the importance of Tzu Chi's timely intervention, “Thank you to the Taiwan Tzu Chi Foundation for helping distribute relief to the flood survivors in our area, and to Ms. Inoka for coordinating with the Tzu Chi Foundation.” This message of gratitude resonated deeply with the volunteers, reaffirming their commitment to serve. 

The Ripple Effect of Compassion 

Tzu Chi's work in Millaniya has done more than just provide physical relief—it has created a ripple effect of kindness and compassion within the community. Nadeeka, once a beneficiary of Tzu Chi's charity program, had since become a regular volunteer, giving back to the organization that had supported her during difficult times. She now involves her daughters in monthly charity distributions, teaching them the importance of empathy and service to others. 

"I believe that by helping others, we inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a more compassionate world," Inoka reflected. Her words captured the essence of what Tzu Chi stands for—a global family united by love, compassion, and a desire to make the world a better place, even in the face of adversity. 

Looking Ahead with Hope 

Though the floodwaters have yet to fully recede, the outpouring of support from Tzu Chi volunteers, local villagers, and government officials has brought hope to those affected by the disaster. The strength and solidarity displayed during this crisis have left an indelible mark on the community of Millaniya. 

In times of great challenge, it is often the selfless acts of ordinary people that remind us of the power of unity and compassion. Tzu Chi’s flood relief efforts in Sri Lanka are a testament to what can be achieved when we come together to help those in need, lifting each other up and creating a brighter future for all.