Red Cross Volunteers have begun Needs Assessments and providing relief to the affected communities

Over 60,000 people belong to 1900 families have been affected due to prevailing inclement weather on the island. Floods and landslides have caused 2 deaths and over 17000 people have been evacuated to safe locations.

The SLRCS volunteers and BDRT Teams have been providing the necessary support to the affected people in coordination with government authorities.

Branch disaster response teams (BDRT) are deployed in the field to conduct emergency assessments. Anuradhapura branch provided first aid services in six camps and the Polonnaruwa branch has provided first aid services in seven camps. Batticaloa branch has also distributed non-food items to the flood-affected population.

The Director-General of SLRCS visited Anuradhapura district, on 22nd December 2019 to monitor the situation. SLRCS branches in the respective districts are providing relief to the affected population with non-food relief items as well as in ensuring the access to factual and timely information. SLRCS remains on alert for a potential further response in case the need arises.