The Red Cross of Montenegro launched a campaign today to collect financial aid for the vulnerable population of Sri Lanka, which was previously affected by catastrophic floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the organization announced today.
"You can pay aid to the affected population of Sri Lanka via bank account 520-5188-31, at Hipotekarna banka or via the online platform on the website of the Red Cross of Montenegro." www.ckcg.me (Donate button)," the Red Cross statement said.
They said the cyclone caused massive flooding and landslides, threatening the lives and livelihoods of more than 1,46 million people.
"It is estimated that this is one of the worst natural disasters to hit Sri Lanka in recent decades. Official figures indicate that hundreds of lives have been lost, while a large number of people are still missing. More than 230.000 people have been displaced to temporary centers, with access to water, sanitation and hygiene severely limited. Over 20.800 households have been damaged or completely destroyed, and extensive damage to roads, bridges and power infrastructure further complicates access to affected areas. The risk of further flooding remains high in downstream areas," the statement said.
The Red Cross said that health facilities there are facing disruptions, many have been flooded and damaged, while access to healthcare is limited — especially for pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly, people with disabilities and the chronically ill.
They added that there are also increasing needs for mental health support, and that the water supply system is seriously threatened by contamination and infrastructure failures.
"In order to address the consequences of the floods, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC/CP) has launched an emergency appeal of 5 million Swiss francs to support the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. Funds from donations through the bank account and online platform of the Montenegrin Red Cross will, after the end of the campaign, be transferred to the appeal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The IFRC/CP emergency appeal is aimed at providing emergency shelter, health care, access to water and sanitation, livelihood support and protection measures for the affected population, while at the same time strengthening the resilience of communities to future climate shocks," the statement reads.
The Red Cross added that the campaign was launched in cooperation with the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Montenegro.
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