Reported by Victoria Paranavithana

On June 3, Heavy monsoon rains caused devastating floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, impacting 13 districts and resulting in 17 deaths within 72 hours. Over 41,610 families have been affected, with 1,888 families taking refuge in 123 safe locations. Schools have been closed, and the military has been mobilized for relief efforts.

The immediate needs for those affected by the floods and landslides in Sri Lanka include ensuring food and water security by distributing food parcels, providing clean water, and setting up community kitchens to meet nutritional needs. Healthcare services are also critical, focusing on deploying mobile health clinics, offering emergency healthcare, and ensuring access to medicines to prevent disease outbreaks. Additionally, maintaining sanitation and hygiene is essential, requiring the provision of hygiene kits containing soap, disinfectants, and personal care items to prevent spread of disease. A coordinated effort from the government, Tzu Chi, and the community is crucial to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by the monsoon rains.

A recent assessment by Tzu Chi Sri Lanka revealed the dire situation of families in Pathakada, a village devastated by floods. Conducted on June 7th, the assessment was prompted by requests for assistance from the principal of Pathakada Junior School and the village headman, communicated through volunteers from Millaniya.

Tzu Chi volunteers braved floodwaters, some exceeding hip height, to reach families and understand their needs. The assessment uncovered a harsh reality. Many families had been trapped in their homes for days, lacking basic necessities. While some received some government support in the form of cooked meals, it was insufficient. Those in houses surrounded by deeper floodwaters were completely overlooked.

The assessment highlighted a critical shortage of essentials – rice, clean water, basic food items, and hygiene products. The receding floodwaters revealed the true extent of the devastation – homes filled with mud, belongings destroyed, and livelihoods shattered, particularly for those who relied on agriculture. Children's education was also disrupted, with many losing school supplies in the floods.

Tzu Chi's established connections within the community-built trust and eased the assessment process. The news of Tzu Chi's arrival brought a sense of relief, with more than 572 families registering for assistance. Those familiar with previous Tzu Chi efforts expressed gratitude for past help, boosting the volunteers' determination even more.

Tzu Chi volunteers in Sri Lanka are committed to providing immediate relief with plans for a distribution of essential supplies, including rice, dhal, noodles, porridge, tea, water bottles, soap, and Tzu Chi blankets, is planned at Pathakada Junior School on June 22.

Acknowledging the potential for ongoing needs due to unpredictable weather, Tzu Chi Sri Lanka intends to conduct additional follow-up assessments to ensure the changing needs of the families are addressed.