Torrential Rain Led to Severe Flooding in Sri Lanka The Macau Red Cross Donated USD40,000 for Disaster Relief |
Landslides and flooding caused by persistent and torrential
rain have hit many parts of Sri Lanka. This is the country¡¦s worst natural disaster
ever since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Hundreds of people are reported missing,
dead, and over 650,000 people have been displaced after unusually heavy rain
and storm which triggered widespread landslides, and caused rivers overflow
in 15 districts of the western and southern region.
The Macau Red Cross is monitoring the situation, and has immediately
donated 40,000 USD from Disaster and Relief Fund to Sri Lanka Red Cross through
headquarters of China Red Cross. Before that, the Chinese government has donated
disaster relief supplies worth RMB15,000,000 to the stricken regions, and the
China Red Cross has contributed USD100,000 for emergency relief and sent a team
of volunteers there to assist with the relief operation. According to Jagath
Abeysinghe, the President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross, dengue is endemic in Sri
Lanka and with so much standing water, conditions are ripe for mosquitoes to
breed and spread the disease. Providing clean water and sanitation together
with awareness on preventing communicable diseases is a critical part of their
humanitarian response. Thousands of people have become homeless currently. Therefore,
the Sri Lanka Red Cross has sent out over 800 emergency family packs to the
victims, and also provided medical first aid services and clean drinking water
to them. In addition, the Sri Lanka Red Cross has been promoting awareness on
hygiene and prevention of infectious disease among the people.
In response to the urgent humanitarian needs, the International
Federation of Red Cross has launched an international emergency appeal for USD
2.1 million on 2 June 2017. Through this appeal, Red Cross volunteers and staff
will assist 40,000 people with emergency relief items and to help people recover
their livelihoods. The Macau Red Cross will keep close contact with China Red
Cross, and be ready to take necessary action for humanitarian response.
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