Germany supports Red Cross in post-flood relief work

Sri Lanka has recently experienced the worst floods in 14 years, which affected more than 595,557 people and left 213 people dead, while nearly 79 people are still missing. Although the water has subsided by now, returning to normalcy is still a challenge for the affected families. The floods have left the drinking water contaminated and damaged sanitation systems, while the standing water significantly increased the risk of water-borne diseases such as dengue.

Among other activities the Sri Lanka Red Cross’s flood relief work focused on decontaminating wells to ensure people have a safe drinking source and to prevent outbreaks of diseases. For the coming months, more relief activities are planned in the areas of water and sanitation provision, as well as hygiene promotion. The German Government is supporting the Red Cross with a cash grant of 100,000 Euros in response to their international appeal for donations, with which among other activities, 30 safe water storage tanks will be established, 120 water points will be constructed/repaired, and numerous permanent and mobile toilets will be built. 

Furthermore, trainings will be conducted that will focus on promoting hygiene in handling water and food, as well as to promote vector control. The corresponding cheque was handed over Thursday (29) by Ambassador Rohde to Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) the Deputy Director General Sudath Madugalle.

“In times of need the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has proven to be a reliable partner in efficiently providing assistance where help is needed the most. We hope that this grant will allow the organisation to expand their activities to match the current needs of the affected people,” said Ambassador Rohde.

There is still a lot of work to be done and the German Embassy wishes the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society much endurance for the coming months, in which a large number of people will have to be reached and assisted. It is hoped that the affected people will find their way back to normalcy soon.