Sri Lanka's worst-ever flood disaster
On November 27 (local time), Cyclone Dithwa struck across Sri Lanka, rapidly spreading with strong winds and torrential rain, causing widespread devastation that has resulted in a dire need for emergency relief. As of the current count, the disaster has tragically claimed the lives of 410 people, with 336 individuals reported missing, and has displaced over 230,000 people, marking it as the largest disaster among the floods and landslides recorded in the country over the past 70 years.
In the Badulla region, where Korean American Food for the Hungry International’s (KAFHI) project site is located, the village of Soranathota, a mountainous area, experienced concentrated damage from heavy rainfall and ground collapse. The damage toll within the village currently stands at 10 confirmed deaths and 9 people missing, with 1,481 residents from 712 households evacuated to shelters. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed deaths or injuries among the sponsored children. Large-scale landslides continue to occur across various areas due to Cyclone Dithwa, and although the rain temporarily subsided from the afternoon of November 29, the risk of further collapse remains ongoing.
Approximately 750 displaced persons are currently residing in the temporary shelters established in partnership with Korean American Food for the Hungry International (KAFHI). KAFHI plans to gradually expand the scope of support, reaching smaller shelters throughout the region to assess the needs of children.
"Will we be able to go back home once the rain stops..." The voices heard from residents on the ground are filled with worry and fear.
Immediately following the disaster, KAFHI has been providing relief supplies, food, and hygiene kits, and is working closely with the local government to assess the situation in the affected areas.
Please Protect the Lives of the Children, Now.
Your generous donations will be delivered as Emergency Relief Kits consisting of food, bottled water, basic medicines, and hygiene items.
