Emergency situation: Over 70,000 individuals displaced in Trincomalee
Trincomalee: The current situation
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A temporary camp in Kanthale: Camps are quickly becoming overcrowded and temporary shelter and the provision of water and sanitation facilities is urgent. |
Since the escalation of fighting at the start of August between Sri Lanka Armed Forces and the LTTE in Trincomalee District, over 70,000 individuals and families have fled from their homes. These individuals and families have sought shelter in over 70 camps, schools and religious buildings located in neighbouring divisions.
Almost all IDPs arriving in camps have walked from Muttur Town (up to 30kms) or other surrounding areas and come with only a few personal belongings. Many have endured several days of living under siege in Muttur Town before seeking refuge in the surrounding areas and are visibly shaken and distraught. Many have lost family members in the recent fighting.
Sewalanka is working with partners Deutsche Welthungerhilfe in coordination with a number of other agencies including UNHCR, UNICEF, International Committee of the Red Cross , OXFAM, the World Food Program, Muslim Aid International and Save the Children in Sri Lanka, to meet the basic needs of displaced individuals by providing shelter, water and sanitation facilities and basic food items.
Emergency relief provided
Sewalanka Foundation has assisted IDPs at nine camps in five districts and is currently providing ongoing relief to displaced individuals in four camps in Kantale and Seruwila divisions.
Kantale DS Division |
Seruwila DS Division |
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Since 7 August 2006, Sewalanka has provided;
| – | water |
| – | dry rations |
| – | food parcels |
| – | temporary toilets |
| – | toiletries |
| – | medical supplies |
| – | and non food items (mosquito nets, sleep mats, clothes, bedsheets etc.). |
Longer term rehabilitation
Sewalanka will continue to work in coordination with aid agencies to provide non food items to IDPs and to ensure water and sanitation needs are met.
What is needed?
The main concern for camp occupants is temporary shelter and water and sanitation facilities. Heavy rains are expected in coming months. Families cannot remain in their current locations as these buildings are used frequently by community members and are not equipt for accommodating the thousands of individuals requiring shelter.
Returning to villages is the desired outcome for many, however field staff believe that this may not occur for another 2-3 months and for some families, fear may prevent them from returning at all.
How you can help
Sewalanka Foundation's work is made possible through funding derived from donations. You can help us to ensure that the basic human needs of IDPs are met by donating to the Sewalanka Appeal Fund.
