Sri Lanka Flooding: Need For Humanitarian

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000855 SIPDIS STATE PASS ALSO TO AID AND OFDA; SECDEF FOR DSCA/AP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PREL PGOV MARR CE SUBJECT: Sri Lanka Flooding: Need For Humanitarian Assistance ¶1. Devastation from one of Sri Lanka's worst ever flood crises continues. Nearly 250 people are feared dead and another 1000 are missing. As many as 600,000 people are homeless as heavy rains continue in affected areas of five districts. The government of Sri Lanka has appealed to the international community through the United Nations for assistance in providing relief. Meanwhile, the brunt of the relief efforts are being carried out by the Sri Lankan military. Navy boats and Air Force helicopters, and medical and rescue teams from all three services are working around the clock to provide emergency assistance. ¶2. Request Department of Defense and Defense Security Cooperation Agency assistance in providing Humanitarian Assistance through the Sri Lankan military during this crisis. The following items are urgently required by Sri Lanka to meet the basic needs of the victims of this natural disaster: -- Tents -- blankets -- power generators -- light sets -- ponchos -- sand bags and/or barrier material -- water purification equipment -- food items (MREs) -- medical and dental supplies and/or equipment -- pioneer tools -- rubber rafts or small boats -- sleeping cots -- clothing items -- plastic sheeting. ¶3. Point of contact within US Embassy Colombo is LTC Rich Girven Tel: 94-1-448007 ext 2442, email DATT@itmin.com. WILLS