Habitat Sri Lanka aims to help 100 families rebuild homes after flooding and landslides

COLOMBO (June 28, 2016) Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka aims to build 100 houses for affected families in central Kegalle district, Sabaragamuwa province, after flooding and landslides devastated many parts of the country.

The disaster was caused by a week of heavy rains from Cyclone Roanu that began on May 14, leaving more than 100 dead and an estimated 5,000 homes damaged or destroyed. More than 319,000 people have been displaced across the country.

An assessment team from Habitat Sri Lanka has made preliminary visits to landslide-affected communities in Kegalle. The first phase of Habitat Sri Lanka’s response to the disaster is expected to begin in September after the land in the affected areas has been cleared and official approvals for site locations have been given. The government expects the current land-clearing process to continue for another two to three months.

After the land has been cleared, local communities will support Habitat’s construction of the 100 houses which is scheduled to be completed in one year.

The new Habitat houses will incorporate disaster-resilient features based on guidelines from the National Building Research Organisation, and will be located on sites in coordination with government authorities.

Funding for Habitat’s rebuilding project includes contributions from Saudi Arabia’s Alwaleed Philanthropies and various donors. Habitat Sri Lanka needs additional funding to help more families rebuild their homes and lives. Please donate. hfhsl.org/donate

Established in 1995, Habitat Sri Lanka has experience in responding to various disasters including flooding in 2010 and 2011. Almost 3,000 families were supported in building their homes that were destroyed after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Habitat Sri Lanka has also enabled more than 23,000 low-income families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.