The American Jewish Joint Distribution is providing emergency aid to victims of the devastating flooding and mudslides that killed hundreds of people and displacing hundreds of thousands more in Sri Lanka this week.
This is the worst natural disaster to hit the island nation since the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. The JDC is already familiar with the region, having then established a disaster-management unit together with Sarvodaya, a local Buddhist- inspired humanitarian organization.
The organizations have since responded to dozens of disasters in Sri Lanka.
This week, they deployed a first-responder unit to provide food, water and other emergency aid in Sri Lanka’s five hardest- hit districts, including Galle and Kalutara on the coast.
The first responders are reaching beleaguered Sri Lankans by road and where necessary by boat.
“Last week, celebrating Israel’s National Day in Colombo, I stated that ‘Israel is Sri Lanka’s all-weather friend,’” Carmon said.
“Unfortunately, these are storm-ridden days. I am proud to be able to provide these supplies to our Sri Lankan friends. I am convinced our partnership will continue to grow when the clouds have cleared.”
Israel provides emergency supplies following #SriLankaFloods including power generators & drinking water delivered by Amb. @danielocarmon pic.twitter.com/vuWRsBSwni
— MASHAV Israel (@MASHAVisrael) June 1, 2017