Emergency Response

Sewalanka has played a lead role in responding to the immediate needs of people displaced by war, by the 2004 tsunami, by floods and cyclones and by landslides. In disaster-prone areas, we have teams trained in first aid, Sphere minimum standards, ICRC code of conduct, Do No Harm principles and emergency logistics. We also have lorries, tractors, water bowsers and storage facilities that can be used in the event of an emergency.

Our emergency interventions have two goals:

• Address the immediate basic needs of the people who have been affected including food, drinking water, temporary shelter and sanitation facilities and non-food relief items like clothing and hygiene kits.

• Transition to the recovery phase and establish a sense of normalcy as quickly as possible. Remaining in an emergency situation for long periods disrupts the social and economic fabric of a community and contributes to psychosocial problems.

Disaster-affected families have lost their material belongings, but they still have ideas and skills. Recognizing and drawing on their capabilities reduces dependency on relief aid and facilitates the recovery process. During the emergency response period, we mobilize people for participatory assessments, planning and decision making and organize committees for camp management.

Our emergency response activities are based on the following principles:

• Mobilize self-help groups and committees to assess and prioritize needs, develop beneficiary lists and assist with distribution. Encourage broad participation and the inclusion of women and vulnerable groups

• Whenever possible, focus on geographical areas rather than sectors. Coordinate an integrated response and continue working with the same people through the recovery phase.

• Complement and supplement the activities of international agencies and government authorities. Fill gaps in assistance as needed (e.g. sanitary napkins, vegetables, cooking utensils, school books)

Coordinating distribution in disaster-affected communities

• Ensure that the response is appropriate for the local context. Distribute culturally appropriate food and clothing to displaced families

• Recognize and address the special needs of particularly vulnerable groups including pregnant and nursing mothers, children, the elderly, women-headed families and disabled people.

• Integrate psychosocial support services and refer special cases to qualified professionals.

• Participate in all relevant coordination meetings and work closely with government authorities to prevent gaps, avoid duplication and promote transparency.

• Follow Sphere Minimum Standards and Do No Harm principles.

Sewalanka has launched an emergency appeal to address the urgent needs of the more than 100,000 people who have been displaced by fighting in the north. Please see our Get Involved section or contact communications@sewalanka.org for information on how you can help.

Contact our regional Field Directors north@sewalanka.org, east@sewalanka.org and south@sewalanka.org or visit our newsletter page to learn more about Sewalanka's response to past emergencies.