The two-men response team from Singapore Red Cross has arrived in Sri Lanka, to join the relief work of Sri Lanka Red Cross for Cyclone Roanu. Comprising Charis Chan, Head International Services and Peter Tung, auxiliary staff and active volunteer, the team participated in ground assessment/home visits, and distribution of 200 kitchen kits to homes in the most affected district, Colombo - Egodauyana, Pahala Bomiriya and Oruwala (Western Province).

“Some homes are still submerged, with water levels at their windows. In one town, out of 250 homes - 41 are still in water. For others, while flood waters have receded, the families are not ready to go home. Their essential household items have all been washed away, and they are now mostly living with friends or relatives. We met some who lost their life savings and belongings.

“As stagnant water continue to cover the streets, waterborne diseases are a real threat. In fact, water consumption has become a problem. As the wells have been contaminated, they require urgent cleaning. The Red Cross is providing drinking water to affected families in the meantime,” updates Charis Chan, Head International Services, Singapore Red Cross.

Waterborne diseases are becoming a real threat as stagnant water cover the streets. Here, Singapore Red Cross volunteer Peter Tung receives an update from a Sri Lanka Red Cross Society representative.

Singapore Red Cross’ Head of International Services Charis Chan assist with the mass relief distribution of kitchen kits, comprising items such as cooking pots, frying pans, bowls, plates, cups, spoons, and forks to affected people.

As waters recede, the true picture of damage is emerging. Student kits and school items are urgently needed, for children to return to school.

The Singapore Red Cross team met many people and recounted a story told to them: “The family did not know where to store their valuables in the beginning, so they put on them on the higher tables, without expecting the water level to get so high. Eventually, the table toppled and they lost everything."

(Singapore Red Cross)