Caritas Australia responds to cyclone and flooding in Sri Lanka

Caritas partners distributing food in flooded avissawella area. photo: Caritas Ratnapura

Source: Caritas Australia

Caritas Australia is urgently responding to the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, as part of its Asia Storms Appeal launched in early November to support communities affected by severe storms in the Philippines and Vietnam.

Following Cyclone Ditwah making landfall on the 28th of November, Sri Lanka is now experiencing one of its worst weather emergencies in recent years.

At least 330 lives have been lost, with 370 people now missing.

More than 20,000 homes have been destroyed, with over 108,000 individuals sheltering in emergency centres. A state of public emergency has been declared, and rescue operations continue under extremely dangerous conditions.

Floodwaters have inundated homes, roads, bridges, and agricultural lands, while landslides have destroyed houses and buried entire communities, especially in the central and up-country regions.

In response Caritas Sri Lanka has activated its 13 diocesan centres to provide immediate relief and is working closely with local authorities to assist affected communities. A 24-hour relief collection point has also been established in Colombo to gather essential items for distribution.

Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Manager at Caritas Australia said: "The disaster is far from over as damage to roads, railway lines and bridges remain as obstacles, with electricity and water outages also threatening the safety and health of civilians. Continual rainfall also means the risk of further landslides, mudflows and flash floods remains extremely high, which is terrifying for communities."

The storm has wreaked havoc across the wider Asia region, with the death toll surpassing 600 across Indonesia and Thailand, according to media reports. Caritas Australia remains in contact with partners in these countries to assess needs and determine whether additional support will be required.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by these catastrophic storms," said Sally Thomas. "Caritas Australia is committed to standing in solidarity with our partners and communities across Asia during this time of crisis."
Donations to the Asia Storms Appeal will support emergency relief and recovery efforts in Sri Lanka, as well as continued relief efforts in Vietnam and the Philippines.

To support Caritas Australia's Asia Storms Appeal, visit: www.caritas.org.au/asia-storms or call 1800 024 413 toll free.