CERF funds are helping victims of floods and landslides in Sri Lanka

Widespread flooding and mudslides in Sri Lanka have killed at least 212 people and affected more than half a million residents. In late May, heavy monsoon rains swept away homes, clinics, schools, roads and water systems in 15 of the island’s 25 districts.  79 people remain missing. Many do not have access to clean water, adequate sanitation facilities and hygiene supplies. The monsoon rains are the worst to hit Sri Lanka since 2003.

Immediately after the disaster, UN agencies and humanitarian partners launched an Emergency Response Plan for $22.7million to address the most urgent needs of people affected by the flooding.

In support of this plan, CERF allocated $4 million to address the most critical and life-saving needs of 120,000 people in the most-affected districts Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Rathnapura.  Funds are enabling the delivery of life-saving shelter, health and food security assistance, and the provision of essential non-food items. The majority of funds are helping to respond to the needs of over 70,000 women and girls, particularly by providing critical health care to pregnant and lactating women. A large portion is enabling World Food Programme (WFP)  to  kick-start a cash-based food assistance programme for approximately 21,648 of the most vulnerable and food insecure individuals.