Acknowledgement - NDB Investments

RCCR Would like to Acknowledge and Thank NDB Investments Ltd., for their cash donation by NDB Cheque# 071128 towards RCCR's Flood Relief Efforts in Batticaloa & Kalmunai.

Thank You

RCCR

Breakdown of Items - Batticaloa

Breakdown of items valued at LKR 200,000/- sent to Kattankudy in Batticaloa via our on-site coordinators on Wednesday, 19th January 2011.

1. 250kg Rice
2. 100kg Sugar
3. 100kg Dhal
4. 100kg Flour
5. 100kg Dry Fish
6. 100 Pkts Milk Powder
7. 115 Sleeping Mats
8. 500 Toothbrushes
9. 500 Canned Fish/ Sardines
10. 500 boxes of Mosquito Coils
11. 240 Kids Pampers
12. 30 Baby/ Kids Shorts
13. 225 Bed Sheets
14. 500 Lifebuoy Soap

Breakdown of Items - Kalmunai

Breakdown of items sent to Kalmunai via the Rotary Club of Kalmunai on Tuesday, 18th January 2011

1. 200Kg Sugar
2. 500Kg Rice
3. 200Kg Dhal
4. 500 Canned Fish/ Sardines
5. 100 Boxes Mosquito Coils
6. 250 Packs Milk Powder
7. 200 Bed sheets

8. 22 Packs of Mineral Water

More details to follow

Update

Dry rations including Medicines, Mosquito Coils and Bed Sheets worth approximately LKR 300,000/- have reached the Rotary Club of Kalmunai through our volunteers on the ground.

The total pledges Regency has received from friends of Rotary near and far up to now is LKR 854,000/- We are very grateful to them for their quick response.

The floods in some parts have started receding, and people are gradually moving back into their homes to rebuild their lives. It is reported that 19,368 houses are partially damaged and 3,859 are fully damaged by the floods. Some of the families now destitute were also affected by the 2004 tsunami.

The Disaster Management Centre in Colombo reported 38 people as confirmed dead and 12 as missing (OCHA, Jan 17, 2011). The UN in their situation report advised the local authorities and residents of the potential danger from explosive remnants from the war that ended last year which the flood waters may have unearthed and carried into the flooded areas.

The health ministry attempting to mitigate the threat of water-borne diseases have sent out medical teams into the areas. The damage to rice and vegetable cultivation is already felt in other parts of the country with their short supply and increased prices, and the cost of rebuilding of road network will high.

While some aid has already been provided by the US and Indian governments, and organizations such as UNICEF and smaller voluntary organizations, the UN appealed to donors for more funds and relief items for this emergency situation. The people affected are now in need of cooking utensils and clothes in addition to food and medicines as they begin to resume their lives.

We will keep you updated on our next steps.

Aid dispatch update

Sheets & Clothing, Medicines and Dry Rations have been organized to be delivered over the weekend as a immediate action by RCCR.

We are getting ground situation updates through the Rotary Clubs in Batticaloa and Kalmunai as well as our on-site coordinators.

More Deaths Reported

Thirty two deaths were reported, 49 persons were injured and 12 persons are reported missing due to the floods and rain affecting the country. More than 1,056,255 persons belonging to 282,953 families have been affected due to floods and heavy rain in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee , Vavuniya and several other districts in the Central, North and East. More than 339,200 are currently housed in displaced camps, the Disaster Management Center said.

87,899 families have been sheltered in camps in Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kilinochchi and other Districts.

Unconfirmed reports say upto 9 people have died due to temperatures plummeting to 16C in Batticaloa and surrounding areas.

Status Update from DMC-SL

People in 14 district in the island are affected by the floods occurred due to heavy rainfall received during the past few days.

A large number of families are affected by severe floods especially in Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa Districts.

*As at 13th January 2011, 533,837 persons belonging to 143,352 families in Baticaloa District, 336,470 persons in 88,376 families in Ampara District and 29,632 persons belonging to 7,949 families in Trincomalee district are affected by floods. The total number of flood victims in the island is 967,115 persons belonging to 258,120 families.

So far and 1,727 houses are totally destroyed and 12,151 houses are partly destroyed.

- Dissaster Management Centre (DMC) , Sri Lanka

 

More Pictures

- Pictures Courtesy - AFP

Status Update!

With the generous contributions, we have collected over Rs. 500,000/- in less than 24 Hrs.

Current death toll reads at 27!

Thank You

RCCR

January 2011 - Sri Lanka’s Central, Eastern and Northern provinces under water!

- Pictures courtesy of Reuters

Rain and snow have unleashed havoc in many parts of the globe signalling that climate change is real and is already here. Our wish is that those affected will be able to rebuild their homes and restart their livelihoods soon.

Rain came down on sunny Sri Lanka from early December 2010, and now we have severe flooding in the Central, Eastern and Northern provinces.

The floods and mudslides have led to 24 reported deaths in these areas.

While Batticaloa and Ampare Districts are the most affected in the eastern province, it has been impossible to get an accurate estimate of the number of people affected as the road network had been submerged making many areas not even accessible.

However, it is estimated that well over a million people are affected by the floods. The Meteorological Department of SL forecasts more rain in the already affected areas, and so it is apparent that we need to act fast to provide relief to those already affected and to mitigate a further disaster that will arise from waterborne diseases.

Preliminary assessments by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) which liaises with all UN agencies and the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Centre (DMC) indicate that Non-Food relief items, Dry Rations, and Drinking Water are on the top of the most needed list.

The Rotary Club of Colombo Regency (RCCR) will keep a close look at the situation and be tuned into the assessment of OCHA and DMC when purchasing and dispatching relief items to areas most in need.

RCCR are in the process of raising funds to purchase items in need, and would very much appreciate your contributions to fund immediate relief to those affected.

You may make a direct deposit into the following account dedicated for this relief effort:

ACCOUNT NAME : Rotary Club of Colombo Regency

ACCOUNT NUMBER : 001-003771-009

BANK NAME : HSBC

BANK ADDRESS : 24, Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha, Colombo 1

SWIFT CODE : HSBC LKLX

CHEQUES : Drawn in favour of ‘Rotary Club of Colombo Regency’

Please email us at rotarycolomboregency@gmail.com so that we could reconcile and recognize your contribution. Do let us know if you need a receipt for your contribution, and the mailing address to do so.

We will acknowledge all funds received and report on how funds received are utilised through this blog - so please refer to it from time to time.

If you need further information, please contact:

President

Rtn. Bilal Mohamed

+94 77 735 2915

bilal@asianadventures.lk

Correspondence Address: 74A, Park Street, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka

President Elect

Rtn. Gehan de Alwis

+94 77 736 8820

Treasurer/ Past President

Rtn. Bary Jaleel

+94 77 730 0239

Past President

Rtn. Mario Perumal

+94 77 737 1204

Past President

Rtn. Tharanga Gunaratna

+94 77 738 9075

Thank You,

Rotary Club of Colombo Regency

RI District 3220, Sri Lanka

Construction progress inspection - 23rd July 2009

Rtn. Nilesh inspecting the bathing area

Rtn. Nilesh inspecting the newly constructed temporary toilets

Water trough


Bio Gas/ Waste Management Plant being completed

Status Update - 23rd July 2009

Rotarians Nilesh and Prabhu from RCCR visited the IDP Camps to assess the construction progress of the Temporary Toilets and Bio Gas/ Waste Management Plants on Thursday 23rd July 2009.

Refer Masterplan (Earlier Post)

Toilets: Requirement 140 nos.

Block 6a (Front) : 20 Toilets in operation
Block 6a (Back) : 40 Toilets (to be connected to the Waste Management plant, all toilets constructed and pending connection to plant) (includes 4 disabled toilets)
Block 6b (Front) : 25 Toilets in operation
Block 6c (Front) : 15 Toilets in operation
Block 6c (Back) : 40 Toilets constructed (operational in 1 day)

Water troughs for cleaning of toilets: Requirement 5

Block 6a (Front) : Constructed and in operation
Block 6a (Back) : Constructed pending water connection
Block 6b (Front) : To be constructed (operational in 3 days)
Block 6c (Front) : To be constructed (operational in 3 days)
Block 6c (Back) : Construction in progress (1 days to complete)

Waste Management Plant: Requirement 2

Construction in progress, estimated time for completion 8 days


Bathing areas (showers and above ground water tanks): Requirement 3 Shower bays of 10 showers each and 3 above ground water tanks (30' x 3')

Block 6a (Front) : Shower bays Constructed and in operation / above ground water tanks to be constructed.
Block 6b (Front) : Shower bays Constructed and in operation / above ground water tanks to be constructed.
Block 6c (Front) : Shower bays Constructed and in operation / above ground water tanks to be constructed.

Tube Wells: Requirement 4

Location to be decided on yeild of water. Investigate in progress

Medical Centre: Requirement 1

Construction in progress, estimated time for completion 4 days

Location of IDP Camp

For those of you who are un-aware of the location of the IDP Camps; the above Map of Sri Lanka will depict the Location in RED

The IDP Camp is aproximately 350Km North of Colombo.

Rotary IDP Camp - Site Plan

Pictured above is the Rotary IDP Camp (Zone 3 - A, B, C) in Chettikulam, Vavuniya.

The site plan depicts a status report after the return of two RCCR members from the site last week.

In total, 35 Toilets have been constructed. Money for another 65 were handed over. Of the total toilets to be deployed, 08 units will be constructed to facilitate usage by Elderly and Differently Abled individuals.

A Bio Gas unit will be setup (Waste from Toilets & Kitchens) to provide natural methane gas as a free energy source for powering the kitchens.

Provision have also been made to install a Water Purification Plant (Water extracted via 02 Tube Wells) with a capacity for 1,000 people.

Donor List - Temporary Toilets for IDP's

Funds Received by Rotary Club of Colombo Regency for Building Temporary Toilets for IDP's at Menik Farm, Vavuniya.

Name & Amounts Received (LKR)

1 . Achintha Weerasinghe - LKR 11,325.00
2 . Ahamed Cader - LKR 17,500.00
3 . Altaf Ismail - LKR 17,500.00
4 . Aruni Fernando - LKR 5,000.00
5 . Azmir Shums - LKR 35,000.00
6 . Bary & Renuza Jaleel - LKR 35,000.00
7 . Chamin Bolonne - LKR 10,000.00
8 . Christo Stephen - LKR 8,750.00
9 . Crown City Developers - LKR 17,500.00
10 . Daniel Gunaseelan - LKR 92,000.00
11 . Darshatha Wijesinghe - LKR 2,500.00
12 . Dr. Sanath Jayanetti (tharanga) - LKR 35,000.00
13 . Duhara Perera - LKR 5,000.00
14 . Emar Pharma - LKR 70,000.00
15 . Harsha De Silva - LKR 17,500.00
16 . Indi Samarajiva - LKR 17,500.00
17 . J.J. Croos - LKR 15,000.00
18 . Anonymous - LKR 138,000.00
19 . Kumee Rao - LKR 17,500.00
20 . LCS De Silva - LKR 10,000.00
21 . Malin Wickremasinghe - LKR 17,500.00
22 . Mr. Sahabdeen - LKR 30,000.00
23 . Mrs. Shariff - LKR 35,000.00
24 . Navantis Bandu's Team - LKR 4,600.00
25 . Navantis Sachintana's Team - LKR 14,000.00
26 . Navantis U.I.Team - LKR 17,000.00
27 . Nayana Serasinghe - LKR 17,500.00
28 . Nick Thompson - LKR 11,052.00
29 . Niha Nilar - LKR 17,500.00
30 . Pararajasingam Sivakumaran - LKR 26,864.00
31 . Prabash De Saram - LKR 35,000.00
32 . Priyan Attygalle - LKR 35,000.00
33 . RC Colombo Central - LKR 175,000.00
34 . Rifdy Fahmy - LKR 5,000.00
35 . Romeish Dias - LKR 17,500.00
36 . Ross Cook - LKR 11,325.00
37 . Rotaract Club of Colombo - LKR 490,000.00
38 . Rotary Club of Hancock - LKR 11,325.00
39 . Sarinda & Ashani Unamboowe - LKR 35,000.00
40 . Savantha De Saram - LKR 17,500.00
41 . Shiwantha Dias - LKR 10,000.00
42 . Suresh Ellawela - LKR 17,500.00
43 . T. Sivapatham - LKR 17,500.00
44 . Tariq Al Ayad - LKR 17,500.00
45 . Tharanga Gunaratne - LKR 17,500.00
46 . Vigilant Security & Investigation Services - LKR 70,000.00

Total Donations Received as of 5th June 2009 - LKR. 1,751,241.00 (USD 15,230/-)

We thank each and every individual who helps us help others!

Toilet Crisis in IDP Camps: UN report

THE SUNDAY TIMES

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/News/sundaytimesnews_05.html

Toilet Crisis in IDP Camps: UN report

By Chathuri Dissanayake

Only half of the required toilets and one sixth of the entire requirement of bathing spaces are available for the displaced people in Vavuniya camps, a United Nations report said.

While about 6,000 toilets are needed in the camps, only about 3,150 have been constructed and about 2800 need to be set up immediately, the report said. To reduce the ratio from 1:50 to 1:20, nearly 11,500 more toilets will have to be set up later.

Only 200 bathing spaces have been set up though 1,200 are needed. The Sunday Times learns that restrictions by the government on access to these camps have affected the progress of the relief work there. James Elder the spokesperson for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which is playing a major role in meeting the water and sanitation needs of the IDP camps, said, restrictions caused serious impediments in carrying out their work. However, they were doing their best.

"More needs to be done for these long-suffering people to get more water and sanitation facilities. Whilst the camps are run by the government, UNICEF and others continue to provide as much assistance as possible", he said.

Resettlement Minister Rishad Bathuideen said the government had advised UNICEF to set up 2,000 toilets in partnership with the Ceylon Engineering Consultancy Bureau and another 500 in collaboration with the State Development and Construction Corporation. “We are still facing difficulties as there was a sudden influx of displaced people. We hope to provide the facilities within a month,” he said.

According to the report there is insufficient cleared and levelled land for 15,000 tents and 11,000 emergency shelters which are currently available while more than 15,000 emergency shelters are required to meet the needs of the IDPs. The UN report also highlights the problem of an irregular water distribution system across the camp site though sufficient water is now available.

Mr. Bathuideen said talks were held between the government and the UN partners to provide 23,000 more shelters. He said, that with the opening of Malwathu Oya water project, the authorities could provide 500,000 litres of water to the IDP camps every day.

“The Water Board is taking steps to establish a purification point closer to the camp site. For drinking water we are planning to dig more tube wells,” the minister said.

The World Food Programme is short of $ 35 million of funds to meet the food needs of the IDPs. The WFP needs the funds to provide 300,000 IDPs food for three months from October till the end of the year.

“Food stocks are available till the end of September. The shortage is for the three months after that. Since it takes three to six months to get the food stuff, the earlier we get the funds the better” WFP Country Director Adnan Khan said.

RCCR members go back to Vavuniya

Rtn. Nilesh and Rtn. Gehan are heading to the IDP Camp in Vavuniya today to evaluate the ground situations (Setup & Installation) with regards to the Temporary toilets being provided and to identify other Water & Sanitation based requirements.

Water & Sanitation projects are RCCR's focus at the IDP camp.

Thank you for your continued and encouraging support extended to us to carry out these much needed projects.

Await updates upon return after the weekend!

Temporary Toilets

Pictures of Temporary Toilets being completed; photo's taken whilst Rtn. Mario, Rtn. Bary & Rtn. Nilesh from RCCR visited the IDP camps.

Status Report after visit to IDP Camp

We are happy to announce that we have now reached the target of securing pledges for 100 toilets and majority of the funds have started coming in. As of now, 55 toilets are under construction and the balance 45 will commence before the end of this week, bringing the total to 100. We are grateful for all our family members, friends and friends of friend’s who gave generously towards this cause at very short notice. Your generous contributions has eased the pain for couple of thousands of people.

Whilst all the zones are equipped with toilets, there is congestion due to the large number of people and there are new zones coming up to ease this congestion. Therefore, the need for addition toilets for both the existing Zones is as urgent as the need for toilets for new Zones that are being established. There were several donors who inquired from us what we plan to do after we complete the 100 toilets. We have also received several requests from the SLA for toilets for existing Zones as well as new Zones. After discussing the status with the SLA officers on site, the RCCR has decided to continue the project beyond the 100 toilets.

We are launching a fresh appeal to secure funds to build the next 100 toilets. Out of this 100 toilets, we will deploy 60 in the new Zone 5 that is coming up. The balance 40 will be deployed in Zone II.

Sad News - Demise of our PP. Shantha

It is with deep sorrow we announce the untimely passing away of our Past President Rtn. Shantha Kenichi Matsuda Warnakulasooriya.

The remains will lie at 174/1 Stanley Tilekaratne Mawatha, Nugegoda, till 4pm Monday 1st June 2009.

Cremation will be at General Cemetery - Borella at 5.00pm on Monday 1st June 2009.