Sri Lanka (MNN) — Sri Lanka is still struggling to recover
from heavy monsoon flooding this year.
The floods which struck the eastern part of the country in
mid-January affected about 1 million people and left more than 400,000
homeless. Just as they were recovering,
Sri Lanka was hit by a second wave of flooding in early February. This time,
reports said that 1.2 million people were affected and another 400,000
displaced.
The waters ruined more than 500,000 hectares of agricultural
land, as well as 500 irrigation projects. Additionally, the rice harvest will fall to
1.75 million metric tons, leading to food shortages and deeper poverty.
The good news is that rains have been abating since the
beginning of March, allowing relief agencies time to catch up and begin
focusing on recovery.
Already, for those who have no coping strategies, there are Food
For Work or Cash For Work programs being launched. There's a lot of work ahead. Once the people
return home, they are faced with cleanup.
Believers from churches supported by Gospel for Asia were also
deeply affected. GFA's correspondent in
Sri Lanka reports extreme misery.
GFA Compassion Services has been active in bringing aid to
the survivors. The team spent time distributing dry rations like rice, lentils,
sugar, tea, powdered milk, dried fish and onions.
Yet, feeding the survivors is not the only aspect of their
work. The team also ministers to spiritual needs by praying for them and
sharing the love of Christ with them.
Pray for the team as they get into the repair of critical
community infrastructure and preparations of farmland for the next growing
season.
