Relief distribution by Red Cross for people affected by the garbage dump collapse

25/04/2017 – Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s Colombo Branch in partnership with German Red Cross took steps to distribute non food relief items to people affected by the garbage dump collapse in Meethotamulla recently.

The distribution to 300 families took place at the Kolonnawa Raja Maha Viharaya with the patronage of the Deputy Director General of SLRCS Sudath Madugalle and the Nayaka Thero of the Rajamaha Vihara. Colombo Branch Executive Officer Kumari Kothalawala and volunteers from the branch were also present at the event.

The Meethotamulla garbage dump gave way due to the staggering hight and weight and the garbage came down crashing on nearby houses and burying them in the slide. Over 32 people lost their lives and 8 are still missing. The Armed Forces were deployed by the Government as soon as the incident occured for rescue and search. Out of the 32 people non were found alive.

Sri Lanka Red Cross Society meanwhile, deployed their Branch Disaster Response Teams (BDRT) in order to support the Government operation. They engaged in 24/72 hour assessments and volunteers from the Colombo Branch took steps to provide first aid and psychosocial support to the survivors who were housed in two schools nearby.

Cooked food and camp management were done under the direction of Government Authorities. Sri Lanka Red Cross is closely working with Government Authorities.