Cyclone Ditwah: How is MSF responding in Sri Lanka and how can I help?

MSF emergency teams in Sri Lanka are responding to Cyclone Ditwah, which hit eastern and central regions of the country on Friday 28 November, causing heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and destruction of roads and homes. It has been described as the worst weather-related crisis that has hit the country in years.

The Government of Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency, confirming that all districts in the country have been severely affected.

David Croft, MSF emergency coordinator in Sri Lanka, says:  “The sheer scale of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across the country is unbelievable, but we’ve seen an incredible response to this natural disaster from Sri Lankans themselves. We’re supporting local organisations responding to immediate needs, and have a team assessing some of the hardest hit areas as we see how we can best help people get back on their feet.”

What is MSF doing?

• In Colombo, MSF is working together with locally led organisations to distribute hygiene kits to evacuated people in four emergency shelters around the capital. We have already donated 500 kits of essential items, and will donate 250 maternity kits and 400 dignity kits
• In Badulla, one of the most severely affected areas, a seven-person team specialising in healthcare, logistics, and water and sanitation is on the ground to identify longer term needs in rural areas
• Our teams are also preparing for the arrival of 1,000 winterised family tents and 1,000 items of plastic sheeting
• Disasters like these can affect continuity of care as well as people’s access to essential medicines for non-communicable and other diseases
• Mental health care is a concern for MSF and it is also critical that people can access clean water to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases