IOM – International Organization for Migration

Published purpose

June 2016 - Monsoon rains in Sri Lanka triggered severe floods and landslides – the worst natural disaster the country has faced since the 2004 tsunami. Hundreds have been killed and injured. Some 630,000 people have been affected, including at least 150,000 women and girls of reproductive age, and over 189,000 children. The floods and landslides destroyed or damaged more than 9,000 houses and temporarily displaced 73,560 people to 354 locations. The Government of Sri Lanka has requested targeted assistance from the UN and the international community. With GAC’s support, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing urgent health care and shelter assistance to disaster-affected Sri Lankans. Project activities include: (1) providing in-kind medicines, medical supplies and equipment; (2) rehabilitating damaged health facilities; (3) directly supporting health service delivery through existing facilities through deployment of additional medical staff; and (4) providing temporary and transitional shelter solutions, as well as relief items for families affected by the floods.