Among the non-food items needed urgently, some key needs include cooking sets, mosquito nets and coils, lamps, towels, bedding, clothing and sleeping mats. We have been and still are providing relief to the people who have been affected by these recent floods by distributing food, essentials and water.
According to the UN, agricultural production is the main source of livelihood in the affected area and this season's rice harvest has been badly damaged, leading to increased food insecurity. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates about 500,000 residents are food-insecure.
In the worst affected districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee in Eastern Province, heavy rains between 8 and 12 January left more than 101,171 hectares of paddy fields damaged, of which more than 81,000 hectares suffered moderate to severe damage, initial estimates suggest.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates a loss of about 450,000 tons or US$120 million.
But rice farmers are not the only ones reeling; other small crops and livestock farms have suffered losses, though estimates have yet to be finalized.
We are continuing to provide immediate relief in the form of essentials, food items and water to families that have been left with nothing. But once the waters recede, they must carry on living again.
Therefore, we are focusing on the relief that will be required by these people to rebuild their lives again post-flood. It is clear that their livelihoods in those areas have been destroyed by the floods.
We urge you to join us in gathering funds to be able to help people in these areas rebuild their lives through regaining their livelihoods.
If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact us via email at blessie@agapaofoundation.org
