Emergency Relief for Victims of Cyclone Fengal in Sri Lanka

At the end of November 2024, Cyclone Fengal struck the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The massive storm, the most powerful in 30 years, has caused at least 19 deaths so far, and due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, 130,000 households and 470,000 people have been displaced. Although the cyclone has dissipated, the resulting floods and landslides have caused severe damage to the people of Sri Lanka.

 △ A village resident and child receiving relief supplies

△ The emergency relief target areas: Batticaloa and Trincomalee

△ A house submerged in water due to flooding

The Eastern Province, which suffered the most severe damage, has a painful history of armed independence struggles by the Tamil people for nearly 30 years since the 1980s. While the region has been slowly recovering from the scars of civil war, Cyclone Fengal has brought renewed hardship. In response, JTS conducted emergency relief efforts, providing aid to 350 households in Batticaloa and 150 households in Trincomalee, the most severely affected areas.

This emergency relief effort was led entirely by local volunteers without the presence of Korean field activists. Despite the Christmas holidays, local volunteers took the initiative in safely managing and packing supplies, and on the day of distribution, they worked diligently to ensure the efficient delivery of relief goods. Notably, in Mangalagama village in Batticaloa, around 50 local residents also joined the effort, contributing to the successful completion of the relief activities.

△ A volunteer holding up a blanket during the preliminary survey

△ Volunteers packing relief supplies

In this region, many people lost their homes due to severe flooding. Village residents took shelter in temporary evacuation centers until the floodwaters receded, but by the time they returned, their household items and food supplies had already been washed away. JTS Sri Lanka volunteers prioritized the needs of the affected residents and carefully assessed the situation to determine the most urgent assistance required.

△ Mosquito nets and mats delivered from the capital, Colombo

△ Volunteers unloading rice

△ Volunteers repackaging food supplies

The relief supplies included not only food but also around 18 items such as cold medicine and mosquito nets, all essential for the restoration of daily life. Village residents expressed their gratitude, stating that the assistance was a great help. JTS Sri Lanka volunteers, dedicated to the cause and concerned about the possibility of theft, guarded the warehouse overnight, even though it  was swarming with mosquitoes.

△ Local volunteers packing supplies into sacks

△ Repacking food supplies

△ Setting up a line to maintain order during the distribution of relief supplies

△ JTS volunteers checking coupons and village residents standing in line

Volunteers communicated with local authorities to quickly identify the recipients in need of support, ensuring that the distribution process was safe and systematic.

△ JTS volunteers distributing relief supplies to village residents

Thanks to the passion and efforts of the volunteers, this activity provided immediate and practical help to the residents affected by the cyclone. The sight of Sri Lankan residents exchanging helping hands with warm smiles is truly inspiring. Until the day they rebuild their lives, JTS will continue to stand by them.

△ JTS Sri Lanka volunteers after completing the relief activities