This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS COLOMBO 000855
SIPDIS
STATE PASS ALSO TO AID AND OFDA; SECDEF FOR DSCA/AP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREL PGOV MARR CE
SUBJECT: Sri Lanka Flooding: Need For Humanitarian
Assistance
1. Devastation from one of Sri Lanka's worst ever flood
crises continues. Nearly 250 people are feared dead and
another 1000 are missing. As many as 600,000 people are
homeless as heavy rains continue in affected areas of five
districts. The government of Sri Lanka has appealed to the
international community through the United Nations for
assistance in providing relief. Meanwhile, the brunt of the
relief efforts are being carried out by the Sri Lankan
military. Navy boats and Air Force helicopters, and medical
and rescue teams from all three services are working around
the clock to provide emergency assistance.
2. Request Department of Defense and Defense Security
Cooperation Agency assistance in providing Humanitarian
Assistance through the Sri Lankan military during this
crisis. The following items are urgently required by Sri
Lanka to meet the basic needs of the victims of this natural
disaster:
-- Tents
-- blankets
-- power generators
-- light sets
-- ponchos
-- sand bags and/or barrier material
-- water purification equipment
-- food items (MREs)
-- medical and dental supplies and/or equipment
-- pioneer tools
-- rubber rafts or small boats
-- sleeping cots
-- clothing items
-- plastic sheeting.
3. Point of contact within US Embassy Colombo is LTC Rich
Girven Tel: 94-1-448007 ext 2442, email DATT@itmin.com.
WILLS