Story
UPDATE
Sri Lanka is still feeling the effects of the recent floods and the disaster that followed. Many families are living with damaged homes, blocked roads and very limited access to basic needs. Several districts remain affected, and people are trying to manage with whatever they have left.
WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING
For the past 10 days, our team has been working from morning until night, travelling to different villages and meeting families who have been deeply affected. Many people are still unable to return home because the ground conditions remain unsafe. Mudslides, falling rocks and damaged structures continue to put families at risk, so they are staying in schools, temples, tea factories and other temporary shelters.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HAS HELPED SO FAR
With your help, Serendip has reached more than 5,600 people across different districts. We have used £18,000 of donated funds to provide dry food, warm clothing, bedding and other essential items for families who urgently need support. Each delivery is verified locally to make sure the right people are receiving the help.
WHAT WE ARE SEEING ON THE GROUND
Requests for assistance continue to come in. Some areas remain cut off, and families are facing long days with very few resources. Our team and volunteers are doing their best to respond to each request, and we are working responsibly so that support is shared fairly. Other organisations are also working in these districts, and we are mindful of not duplicating work, so that every family has a chance to be reached.
One mother told us, “I lost my husband and my father in the mudslide. I do not know how to start again with my children because we have nothing left to return to.”
OUR WORK STILL CONTINUES
Even though the government has stepped forward to help in a bigger way, there will still be families who may not receive everything they need. Many households whose homes are still standing have lost their income and will struggle in the weeks ahead, and some of the small businesses we helped to build have been damaged. We will continue to support these families as they try to rebuild their lives.
THE NEED IS STILL THERE
We are truly grateful for the kindness shown so far. It has helped us reach families who were facing very difficult days. But there is still a long way ahead, and many more people are waiting for support. We will keep going for as long as we can, and every bit of help makes a real difference to the families who are trying to recover from this disaster.