Federation launches appeal to help Sri Lanka cyclone victims
28 December 2000

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today launched a preliminary appeal for 525,000 Swiss francs after a cyclone in Sri Lanka left tens of thousands homeless. The funds will be used to assist 10,000 people with shelter, kitchen utensils, clothing and blankets.

The cyclone struck on December 26 and brought 48 hours of heavy rain and powerful winds which left a trail of havoc in their wake. Early reports estimate the damage to be even worse than Sri Lanka's devastating cyclones of 1978.

As well as an estimated 35,000 homeless, thousands of other people - on the east coast between Trincomalee and Tirukkovil as well as on the west coast between Mannar and Puttalam - have been affected. At least three people have died and several fishing boats are reported missing. The Sri Lanka Red Cross has already launched a huge operation in response to the disaster with 4,000 volunteers helping the most affected people. Local branches of the Red Cross were able to immediately swing into because they already existed within many of the worst-affected areas.

The Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Ervin Bulathsinghala praised the rapid response of local volunteers. "The efficient way in which the local Red Cross branches have reacted to the cyclone is in part due to the tremendous work we have done on disaster preparedness," he said.

"Our effective operation also shows the value of having people always on the ground in the communities, which is one of the true strengths of the Red Cross - particularly when communication is difficult," he added.

The Federation released 100,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund within hours of the cyclone to immediately start the operation and is currently cooperating with the National Society and ICRC to assess the most urgent needs.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Christopher Black, Media Service, Geneva Tel.: +41 22 730 4377
                                                           Mobile : +41 79 416 3881

Marcel Fortier, Desk Officer, Federation, Geneva Tel.: +41 22 730 4222

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.