To address the needs of those affected by the crisis, the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) of United Nations Sri Lanka, last week launched an Emergency Response Plan which outlines the support UN agencies as well as local and international NGOs hope to provide to the 374,000 most severely affected people in seven districts; Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Kalutara, Kegalle, Matara and Ratnapura.
The Emergency Response Plan will complement the ongoing Government-led response and will focus on providing immediate life-saving along with protection assistance to communities affected by the floods and landslides.
The plan is also expected to provide 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 floods.
These 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.
Immediately after the disaster, the Government identified water and non-food items as priority needs. As of June 2, 19 countries have provided 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.
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.”