Switzerland is sending experts and aid material to storm-hit Sri Lanka. A team from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit is on the ground to help provide water and sanitation.
In view of the extent of the flooding and landslides, Sri Lanka has launched an international appeal for help, as the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) announced on Thursday. Switzerland had offered its help to the authorities, who had accepted.
According to the statement, the six-strong Swiss rescue team is primarily made up of specialists in water, sanitation and hygiene. A disaster risk reduction expert from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) based in India will also be traveling to Sri Lanka. The SDC is also providing drinking water modules to supply 10,000 people.
Two weeks ago, the SDC donated half a million Swiss francs to the Philippine Red Cross. The population there has been affected by several typhoons. The SDC has earmarked CHF 200,000 to support the reconstruction of Vietnam. Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, on the other hand, have not yet asked for international aid.
Massive flooding and landslides have been causing severe damage in numerous countries in South and Southeast Asia for several weeks. Sri Lanka has been particularly hard hit: According to preliminary figures, 390 people have died and 250 are missing.
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