[January 13 2011]
The UN office in Sri Lanka is to make an appeal to get emergency funds to support over one million people affected by the severe floods caused by torrential rains lashing the country in the last few weeks. The United Nations Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator Neil Buhne said the UN team is supporting the Sri Lankan authorities in many ways to respond to growing humanitarian needs.
“We are helping the Government to collect information on needs, which will be compiled into a flash appeal, to rally donors to support and expand ongoing national efforts to respond to important needs in flood-affected areas,” Buhne said.
“We share the strong concern over the immediate requirements of over one million affected, especially the most vulnerable including children.
He added that UN will also look at the longer term effects from damage to agriculture, infrastructure and housing.
The United Nations agencies will continue to assist the Government to respond to immediate needs based on ongoing rapid assessments, and to help communities recover from the impact of the flood once water recedes.