Flooding in Sri Lanka

24 May

Most schools have now re-opened, except for those in Sabaragamuwa Province which continues to endure bad weather. Many people have not been able to work for the last week and power outages are still an issue in several communities. The greatest concern is the spread of illness, especially as dirty stagnant floodwaters remain. 

In the latest update, Compassion Sri Lanka reports:

• 35 of our church partners have been affected.
• 522 Compassion-supported children have been impacted by the floods. Many children have lost clothing and school supplies. 
• 249 children have suffered damage to their homes.
• Project staff have been working long hours providing support and emergency supplies. 

Please join us in continuing to pray for children in Sri Lanka. Pray for protection against the spread of disease. 

23 May

Last week severe rains fell in Sri Lanka, causing significant flooding in areas around Colombo. The rains triggered mudslides in the central Kegalle district and many roads are now impassable. The nation’s Disaster Management Centre reports that at least 71 people have lost their lives and rescuers are searching for 127 others currently missing after mud and rock buried residential areas. 

Though some areas have seen a reprieve, heavy rains in the hill country resulted in all gates being opened for one major river. People living on the banks of this river were asked to evacuate. Weather patterns remain unstable and more rain is forecasted. Water levels are likely to rise, and there is the potential for more landslides.

Please join us in praying for all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in the disaster.

To date, 24 of our church partners have been affected. The Compassion Sri Lanka team gives thanks that there have been no reports of loss of life amongst sponsored children and their families. 178 children have suffered damage to their homes and a RESPOND Initiative has been launched to provide emergency food and shelter.