One year later: Survivors remain hopeful after the landslide

Story by Hasanthi Jayamaha

It’s been a year since Sri Lanka experienced a huge landslide brought by torrential rains. In Aranakaye village, Kegalle District, 48 bodies were recovered and 110 people still remain missing.

The basics for survival came first. Within days, families who were affected and those in the surrounding risk areas were relocated to safer locations like temples, schools, and government buildings.

World Vision responded immediately providing 425 affected families with essential non-food items and hygiene kits. The response continued for the next nine months providing the children with Child Friendly Spaces and families with sanitation facilities, camp management, educational supplies, water filters, water storing tanks and solar-powered lamps. Two rescue teams were also trained to prepare for future calamities.

The government has requested World Vision to stay on and support them with the rebuilding and development efforts.