Humanitarian agencies launch emergency response plan

An estimated 630,000 people across 15 districts have been affected by floods and landslides, that were triggered by heavy monsoon rains at the end of May.

 To address the needs of those affected by the crisis, the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) yesterday launched an Emergency Response Plan which outlines the support UN agencies and local and international NGOs are aiming to provide to the 374,000 most severely affected people in seven districts; Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Kalutara, Kegalle, Matara and Ratnapura.

 Immediately after the disaster the Government identified water and non-food items as priority needs. As of 2 June, 19 countries have provided in-kind donations, expert support and funding to the immediate relief operations. 

As more areas have become accessible with flood waters retreating, the need for emergency shelter, sanitation and hygiene, and health services have also been identified.

 The Emergency Response Plan complements the ongoing Government-led response. It focuses on providing immediate life-saving and protection assistance to communities affected by the floods and landslides; providing emergency livelihood support and access to basic services for the most vulnerable households; and strengthening the resilience of affected communities to cope with, and recover from, the floods.

 This will be delivered through the provision of emergency shelter and non-food items (NFIs), food security and nutrition support, and water, sanitation and hygiene, health, protection, education and coordination activities.

 UN Resident Coordinator and Chair of the HCT, Una McCauley said, “The HCT, with the support of the international community, will continue responding to the needs of those affected by the floods through the implementation of the Emergency Response Plan, paying particular attention to supporting the most vulnerable people in the affected communities.”