Oxfam says Sri Lanka flooding disaster deepens

Oxfam says Sri Lanka flooding disaster deepens

“The situation is alarming as people who recently returned to their homes after last month’s flooding have been forced to flee again.” Thusitha Siriwardana (Oxfam’s Campaign Manager in Sri Lanka)

7 February 2011
International agency Oxfam today said that the disaster in Sri Lanka was deepening as a result of a second wave of flooding in the country. One million people in Sri Lanka have already been affected by the first wave of flooding.

“These fresh floods could not have occurred at a worse time. The situation is alarming as people who recently returned to their homes after last month’s flooding have been forced to flee again. Needs are immense and the affected population is being exposed to fresh dangers after the latest round of flooding”, said Thusitha Siriwardana, Oxfam’s Campaign Manager in the country.

The recent floods have been widespread affecting 18 districts in the Eastern, Northern, Central and North-Central Provinces. More than a million people have been affected in the new flooding and over 320,000 have been forced into temporary shelters. Damage to houses, roads and farmlands has further intensified. Many areas are still inaccessible making it difficult to conduct rescue and relief operations and to assess the extent of damage.

Siriwardana further warned:

“The situation is critical. In addition to the massive humanitarian needs there are long-term concerns regarding food security as well. The floods are likely to destroy more than 90 per cent of the paddy cultivation in the affected districts.

The international community needs to do more for the flood affected in the country. So far only US$11.6 million has been received towards the flood response, including US$7.7 million mobilized through the UN Flash Appeal for US$ 51 million.”

Oxfam has already been supporting 120,000 people in the Eastern and North-Central Provinces with basic items including food and water. The agency has responded to the latest wave of flooding as well and has reached affected populations with cooked food, water, tarpaulins, and hygiene items. In addition, Oxfam has also been providing support in rescue services.

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Oxfam GB's Sri Lanka Floods Appeal

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Oxfam's response to the Sri Lanka Floods

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