When floods following Cyclone Ditwah hit northern Sri Lanka in late November, thousands of families lost their homes, livelihoods and security. Through emergency support from the IOGT-NTO Movement, aid was quickly deployed in December, allowing children to return to school, families to receive food and mothers to receive vital support in the midst of the crisis. 

Following the severe floods, IOGT-NTO Movement has contributed SEK 150,000 in disaster relief to the joint humanitarian work in northern Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Norwegian sister organization FORUT. Through local collaborations, the support has quickly reached the people who have been hit hardest. 

This support has made possible 

During December, emergency interventions were carried out in areas where the needs were greatest. The support has contributed to, among other things: 

• 175 families have received food packages to cope with the acute food shortage after homes and assets were destroyed 

• 220 breastfeeding mothers have received nutritional packages for themselves and their children 

• Almost 500 children have received school kits with bags and school supplies, making it possible to return to school. 

• Schools and kindergartens have been repaired so that teaching can start again. 

• Rural hospitals have received medicines and medical supplies to meet increased needs 

• Temporary housing has been reinforced with roofs and shelter, providing increased security for families who have not yet been able to return home. 

In a situation where many families were without income, social services and safe places for their children, the support has helped restore basic security in everyday life. 

–This support has helped children return to school, families put food on the table and mothers receive vital support in an extremely vulnerable situation. It shows what a difference solidarity and long-term collaboration can make when they are really needed, says Johanna Davén, Secretary General of the IOGT-NTO Movement. 

The needs are long-term 

At the same time, local assessments show that recovery from the disaster will take time. For the worst-affected areas, it is estimated that it could take 10–15 years before people have been able to fully rebuild their lives. This underlines the importance of both emergency interventions and sustained, long-term support. 

A commitment that lives on 

The disaster relief has been made possible by a will from Stig Kroon, together with gifts from private individuals who have chosen to contribute to the IOGT-NTO Movement's international work. Stig Kroon was a passionate member of the IOGT-NTO movement with a strong and long-standing commitment to Sri Lanka. His gift, together with the solidarity of others, has helped to alleviate suffering and create hope in a very difficult situation. 

IOGT-NTO Movement continues to work long-term in Sri Lanka and, together with partners, stands ready to contribute, both when crises strike and in the long reconstruction that follows. 

Would you like to know more about how you can support our international work? Here you can read more!