2018 May 25
For the third year in a row, torrential downpours have flooded our streets and homes. The floods are back in full force. At least 16 people have been killed, 23 people are missing, and more than a 127,913 people have been affected as of today morning (25th May). Has our disaster preparedness system even improved? Well, there’s certainly many eyes currently on officials to see the steps they will take to ensure public safety this year.
Perhaps what people should be considering is why these floods occur in such force; in magnitudes that have taken lives and destroyed homes. Occurring consecutively for years now, it’s time to look past short term solutions and think more of long term aspects. The reasons for such catastrophic weather conditions remain glaringly obvious – urbanization, accumulation of low water levels, and deforestation…and Sri Lanka ticks all the boxes.
According to the Department of Census and Statistics, the Colombo district alone shows a 104% increase in households. This sudden growth coupled with poor infrastructures and increasing amounts of deforestation (the latest major examples being the Sinharaja forest and regions of the Wilpattu National Park), gives way to the disasters we now face during rainy seasons. Water simply can’t be reabsorbed into the soil and our households are entirely vulnerable to the consequences. In the long run, what is being done about these situations? We are merely setting ourselves up for years of disastrous flooding to come.
What official responses have been gathered thus far?
Gampaha, Ratnapura, and Puttalam are reported to be the worst affected areas due to the prevailing weather conditions this year. Rising water levels of both Kelani River and Kalu River led to the submergence Kaduwela-Biyagama bridge as well as roads in surrounding areas. Residents near river banks have been warned to evacuate following the rise in river water levels island-wide.
Given last year’s catastrophic losses, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Badulla, Kegalle, Kandy, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle, Colombo, and Kurunegala have all been issued landslide warnings by the National Building Research Organization for precautionary measures.
With regards to rescues, The Sri Lanka Navy has already launched operations to rescue trapped people in the Pothuvil area, Madampe and have successfully rescued 28 disabled children and their teachers. The army has also sent in more than a 100 soldiers to help with evacuation processes.
The National Disaster Relief Services Centre has further given 24.9 million rupees to help the affected populations and the Disaster Management Centre advises the public to take precautionary measures as weather forecasts predict continued windy conditions and heavy rainfall. The threat has not passed.
How can you really help?
The most admirable thing about us Lankans is that through tough times, we persevere and we push through together. At disastrous moments such as these, almost everyone offers a hand – directly or indirectly – to help the affected. Last year alone, grocery shops were nearly wiped clean of their supplies as people rushed to help those in need. While this is the sort of kindness Sri Lanka desperately needs, are you really getting the right things for your suffering fellow Lankans?
Are your donations what they really need?
Here’s a list of things you should actually donate (authorized and approved by the National Disaster Relief Services Centre):
Female and Male Hygiene Kits, separately packed, that include:
• Towels
• Soaps (Bathing and Laundry)
• Tooth Paste
• Toothbrushes
• Sanitary Napkins
• Razors
• Combs
• Underwear
Baby Hygiene Kits:
• Baby Soap
• Diapers
• Baby towel/blanket
• Baby cream
• Junior Toothbrush
Emergency Food Packs:
• Biscuits & Cereals
• Water Bottles
It is recommended to hand over these donations in transparent zip lock bags to save much needed time spent in organizing supplies.
Donations can also include family packs that contain towels, bed sheets, cutlery and clothes as well as dry rations (rice, flour, dhal, tea leaves, sugar & salt, cooking oil, canned fish etc.). Don’t forget to pack these donations up in a cardboard box or plastic bag before handing them over.
Next, are your donations going to the right place?
Here’s a list of organizations you can hand your donations to, to make sure they reach the right places and people:
1. Task Force Flood Donation Campaign – Rotaract 3220 Task Force is in the process of collecting donations (sanitary items, dry rations, water bottles, medicines, mosquito nets and other items) to be widely distributed in light of those heavily affected by the recent flooding and landslides.
For further information about donations and collection points, contact Nipun- 0779538558
2. Kindness Collective – Currently in the process of collecting donations at Anim8 (Thimbirigasyaya Road). Follow their Facebook page for more updates. Contact number – 0772431831
3. Red Cross – Last year, Red Cross, together with volunteers and various institutions, conducted multiple medical camps in light of the fatal floodings and landslides. They are in urgent need of water bottles and non-food related flood relief items. Contact them on 0773 171 087, or simply drop off your donations at Alexandra Place in Colombo 07.
4. Sarvodaya – This is an organization that allows you to donate online so they can directly finance the needs of the affected people. Visit their website for more information and how to donate and follow their Facebook page for more updates on how to help. They are currently conducting flood relief with their volunteer team, so you can contact them on +94 11 2647159.
5. Voice For Voiceless– They are currently collecting donations at Voice Foundation, 465, Sri Jayewardenepura Road, Welikada, Rajagiriya.
For financial donations,
Account No: 101000432815
Account Name: The Voice Foundation
Bank/Branch : NDB (National Development Bank) Battaramulla, Sri lanka
Swift: NDBSLKLX | Bank code: 7214 | Branch code: 8090
5. Gudppl – This is a reputed social network that aims to bring volunteers together so as to update them on flood relief opportunities. Visit their Facebook page or website for more details.
6. UNICEF – A first for Sri Lanka, UNICEF has launched a new donation service through Pay&Go (a nationwide kiosk network). Donations are given to UNICEF’s children fund so as to support vulnerable children and young people and provide aid during times of emergency. Payment kiosks are available across the country and a list of locations can be found at www.paygo.lk
7. The Iron Man 4×4 Community Emergency Response Team has been working hard to help flood victims ever since disaster struck. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
8. A Flood Relief Program conducted by Dharmaraja College is also collecting donations. For more details, contact Eranga: 077 3300800 or Dinusha: 077 2143966
Many people tend to believe they will not be the next victims and do not take the necessary precautions- and then suffer the consequences. The threat is not over and can affect anyone. Make sure to prepare an emergency kit in the event that flooding in your area escalates, especially if a warning has been issued. Do not attempt to wade through the currents or drive through floods as you could very well be swept away and unknowingly fall into ditches or drains and keep in mind. Roads are much more susceptible to collapsing during floods. Check out a full list of life saving tips during floods right here.
The NDRSC states that nearly half the deaths recorded as of yesterday has been due to lightning and fallen trees. In the case of heavy showers and lightning, find shelter immediately and do not put your life at further risk. Make sure to go to higher and more stable ground if your area is heavily flooded.
In case of an emergency, remember or save these numbers:
• Disaster emergency hotline: 117
• Police Emergency Hotline: 118/119
• Ambulance/ Fire & Rescue: 110
• Red Cross: 0112672727
• Boats for relief efforts: 0716453402, 0774652278, 0773410575
• Ministry of Home Affairs 24-hour emergency hotline: 1902
Above all else, be safe. Help those in need. Do this, and you help better our crisis management preparation…
