Targeted emergency cash assistance to the most vulnerable in support of the Government of Sri Lanka’s response to the flood and landslide disaster

On 15 May 2016 Sri Lanka was affected by a severe tropical storm (Roanu) that caused widespread flooding and landslides in many parts of the country destroying homes and submerging entire villages. As much as 300 mm of rain fell in 24 hours in some locations. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) stated that 22 districts out of a total of 25 had been affected by floods; 340,150 people were affected, at least 84 people died and a further 116 people are still missing

Emergency life-saving food security assistance is needed for an estimated 40,000 people in the four districts most severely impacted by the flood and landslide disaster.

On 23 May 2016, a formal request for food assistance was sent by the Sri Lankan Government to UNRC and WFP to provide relief and ensure food security among the affected population. This was followed-up by a request for humanitarian food assistance by the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs for at least six months on 31 May 2016.

This EMOP is launched with a view to providing further assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka in meeting emergency food assistance needs for 40,000 beneficiaries in the most affected areas during the period 15 June to 15 September 2016. This will be done through Cash Based Transfers (CBT) using the Government of Sri Lanka’s existing social safety nets system, Samurdhi. The transfer value equals to USD60 per month for an average four member household. The transfer value was determined on the basis of the current market price for an emergency food basket consisting of rice, lentils and oil. It will be provided on top of the regular Samurdhi monthly cash pay-out.