Media CenterSri Lanka: CRS Supports Emergency Response after Deadly Landslides

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered landslides and flash floods in Sri Lanka, affecting more than 350,000 people. Many areas remain isolated and the government and Church partners are still collecting information on families’ needs. Some families remain unaccounted for as their homes were buried by mudslides. Rescue efforts are ongoing. The most severe damage is concentrated in poor rural communities, including villages of tea and rubber farm workers.

Catholic Relief Services’ partner Caritas Sri Lanka is preparing to respond in the most affected areas with food, household items and drinking water. CRS is supporting this response. The initial emergency response will take place through five diocesan centers: Ratnapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, Colombo and Chilaw. Caritas is coordinating with local and national government officials to continue assessments and begin distributing aid as quickly as possible.