Press Releases & Updates - Latest News - Oxfam Hong Kong
Skip to main content
Start main content

Press Releases & Updates

19 MAY 2016

Oxfam launches response to Sri Lanka landslides and flooding

 

Heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka since 14 May has triggered deadly flash floods and landslides, and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes. Almost 80 per cent of administrative districts are affected.

Nearly 420,000 people are believed to be affected by the crisis. Of these over 300,000 have been forced to seek shelter in 610 temporary locations.

At least 41 people have been killed and many more are still missing. Entire villages have also been buried under the mud.

Oxfam is using its in-country aid stocks to provide families affected by the Sri Lankan landslides and flood with water, sanitation and hygiene. This includes establishing portable toilets in the camps, providing drinking water and essential household items. A team of Oxfam aid workers is assessing the scale of the crisis and how best the agency can provide further help, especially the most vulnerable communities.

Oxfam has been supporting projects and partners in Sri Lanka since 1968. Oxfam’s focus in the country is on women’s economic leadership, livelihoods and economic development, and humanitarian assistance and protection.

-Ends-

About Oxfam

Oxfam is a worldwide development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty.

 

For media enquiries, please contact:

Maggie Chum (Communications Officer)

Telephone: + 852 3120 5222 / + 852 6010 9961

Email: maggie.chum@oxfam.org.hk