Landslides: SLRC increases relief operations

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) has increased its rescue efforts to support the landslide-affected people in the Meeriyabedda Estate.

Soon after the tragedy, the SLRCS Badulla Branch deployed its first aid teams and volunteers to Meeriyabedda Estate. First Aid posts were set up at the location where over 120 persons were treated for minor injuries. Red Cross Rescue and Relief Teams on the ground have also provided non-food relief items (NFRI) to more than 980 people housed in two camps. The camps are located in the Poonagala Tamil Maha Vidyalaya and the Koslanda Tamil Maha Vidyalaya. These relief kits include hygiene utilities, bed sheets, sleeping mats and other relief items. Meanwhile on a request made by the Disaster Management Ministry, the SLRCS has installed nine mobile latrines in the two camps. Sri Lanka Red Cross Director General Tissa Abeywickrama said, “Since the morning hours of October 30, Red Cross volunteers and staff were promptly mobilised at the landslide hit Meeriyabedda Estate in Koslanda.” He said relief operations were being provided under the guidance of the Disaster Management Ministry.

The Red Cross is now part of the Disaster Management Centre Operations Unit and coordinating relief efforts in collaboration with the Disaster Management Ministry, Government Agents and other authorities on the ground. Meanwhile the Disaster Management Centre in coordination with the Department of Meteorology has warned of more rains in the next 24 hours. This has triggered several landslide warnings by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) especially in the Central and Uva Provinces. People are alerted to take safety measures.

For more information please contact: Media Coordinator Naveendra Senaratne on +94773171087 or naveendra.

senaratne@redcross.lk Communications & Humanitarian Diplomacy Senior Manager Mahesh

Johnny on +94 773502156 or mahieash.johnney@ifrc.org @

mahieash