The Vic/TAS Synod has launched an emergency appeal to assist people affected by severe flooding in Sri Lanka over the Christmas period.
Flash floods and mudslides have killed at least 39 people and forced more than one million to flee their homes after incessant rains inundated the country.
Reports also indicate thousands of hectares of rice crops have been destroyed in the North Central and Eastern provinces, which could lead to severe food shortages in the coming months.
The appeal is in cooperation with UnitingWorld, which has set up a Sri Lanka Flood Emergency Relief program to provide assistance to those affected.
Funds raised will go to UnitingWorld’s partners at the Methodist Church Sri Lanka, who are involved in the relief and recovery operations.
The Methodist Church Sri Lanka will work between January and July 2015 across Eastern Province, North Central Province and Uva Province to provide emergency relief and assist with post-disaster recovery efforts.
All proceeds from the appeal will be used to provide basic necessities (including food, school books, clothing, and kitchen utensils) to families affected by the floods. Building materials such as roofing sheets, cement, and bricks will also be provided to assist with repairs of damaged homes.
“The relief work is more demanding than we imagined,” Rev Dr Jebanesan, president of the Methodist Church Sri Lanka, said.
“We would greatly appreciate your assistance at this juncture to deal with the present crisis.”
The floods came as Sri Lanka held 10-year commemorations for the 31,000 people killed there in the 2004 Asian tsunami.
Donations may be made online at www.shareappeal.org.au or phone: 1800 668 426. Cheques and money orders can be sent to Share: PO Box 24154, Melbourne, Vic, 3001.
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