In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, South East Asia has been devastated by floods and landslides. We have received an appeal for help from Sri Lanka, where Catholic and Christian parishes and organisations are offering support and working together to help the survivors.
Missio’s National Director in Sri Lanka, Fr Basil, shares:
‘The country is under water… The entire nation has been hit by torrential rains and flooding. We are seeing much suffering and people who have lost everything. For this reason, the entire Catholic Church has joined the national relief and reception efforts.’
The extent of the crisis
Cyclone Ditwah struck the country on 27 November, causing massive landslides and flooding over the following days. The government declared a state of emergency as the heavy and relentless rains led to dam breaches and widespread destruction.
The BBC reports that more than 460 people have died and many more hundreds are missing, making this one of the worst natural disasters in recent years. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Centre reports approximately 20,000 houses have been damaged and over 100,000 people, including internally displaced people, have sought refuge in emergency shelters, while one third of the country is without electricity and running water.
Sri Lanka’s volunteers are pulling together
In this phase, says Father Basil:
‘National unity is crucial: all the country’s healthy forces and people of goodwill are working together to alleviate the suffering of the victims.
Churches, parishes and Catholic institutions are already housing displaced people, who have found refuge, acceptance and comfort there. Volunteers are working tirelessly in the dioceses and parishes and the Catholic communities have made all their resources and skills available to help the displaced, of course without distinction of ethnicity or faith.’
The emergency is just the beginning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has described the disaster as ‘one of the worst in the country’s history’ and fears that the cost of reconstruction will be extremely high.
One of the hardest-hit areas is the eastern region, where floodwaters breached the Mavil Aru dam. Significant damage has also been reported in Colombo and other areas crucial to the local economy.
How the Church is helping
Christian communities are providing humanitarian aid and are involved in emergency relief for the victims of the disaster by providing shelter, food, water and hygiene supplies – despite the fact that many churches, mission stations and communities have been hit by the crisis themselves. Fr Basil explains:
‘Supporting the displaced is also psychological and spiritual. A gesture of love, affection and closeness means a great deal in such situations; listening and human warmth are a testament to God’s love for every person.’
How Missio is helping – and how you can help
Missio has supported Sri Lankans through the local Church for many years – bringing your support to devastated communities before, during and after crises.
As Missio works with trusted local Church partners and missionaries, we can get financial assistance to suffering communities very quickly. Donations sent via the global Missio network are used for the immediate and, very importantly, ongoing needs of local people.
Your prayers and support for Missio are a generous act of faith and love towards our family of God across the world. In practical terms, it means that Missio will be able to support local communities for the long-term in Sri Lanka – in rebuilding places of prayer and worship and in caring for children, for the poorest people, and for all who have been devastated by the recent tragedy.
- Please hold all of our sisters and brothers who have been affected in your prayers.
- If you would like to help communities through our emergency fund, please click here>>