Several countries and organizations on standby to support Sri Lanka after landslides
Several organizations and countries expressed their solidarity and offered assistance for the people affected by landslides in Haldemulla.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the agency's humanitarian wings were on standby to help Sri Lanka said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Wednesday.
"OCHA is in close contact with the National Disaster Management Center and stands ready to support as requested," the spokesman added.
"The Sri Lankan Red Cross Society has mobilised first aid teams, while the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health's efforts to assist the affected communities," he noted.
India had offered assistance to hundreds of people affected by the landslide at Meeriyabedda in Haldummulla.
Indian High Commissioner Y. K. Sinha spoke to the External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris and offered the assistance to deal with the landslide disaster.
The Secretary-General of Commonwealth Kamalesh Sharma has sent his solidarity and condolences on behalf of the Commonwealth to the President following devastating landslides in the country.
In a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said: "I want to convey my solidarity with you and my condolences on behalf of the Commonwealth to those who have so suddenly and shockingly been bereaved and suffered such loss."
Mr Sharma, who concluded an official visit to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, added: "I offer encouragement to the emergency and other services who continue to work so hard at the site of this tragedy."
The United States also expressed deepest condolences to the government and the families affected by Wednesday's landslide in Koslanda in Badulla district and offered assistance for the government and the affected people.
"We stand ready to assist the Government and victims as they mourn the loss of loved ones, treat the injured, and address the extensive losses and damage caused by this natural disaster," the U.S. Embassy in Colombo said in a statement.
The Embassy commended the Government of Sri Lanka and its Armed Forces for their "rapid response and valiant search and rescue efforts."
The Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department Wednesday said that the government of Sri Lanka has not made any specific requests for assistance in search and rescue operations.
Courtesy: www.priu.gov.lk