Second landslide in Aranayake, Sri Lanka - “I can’t describe that moment"

Sunday, May 22, 2016

A second landslide occurred on another mountain in Aranayake today (21 May) forcing World Vision staff to suspend activities in the Child Friendly Space (CFS) and evacuate the area. Learn more about the emergency response. Below is an eyewitness account of the incidents of the day by Nirmani Perera, Coordinator, Child Participation and Development, World Vision Sri Lanka:

It started off as a really good day. We had already put up the tent for the Child Friendly Space last night and were excited to start our activities early today. The sun too had come out and it felt warm. There are three more World Vision staff here volunteering at the CFS – Samantha, the Protection & Disability Specialist; Ruvanara from the Child Participation and Development, and Evelyn from the Child Sponsorship team.

Since the sun was out we started with a few games outside. There were over 50 children over the age of five participating in the activities. They were thoroughly enjoying their time. We moved into more awareness activities helping them understand protection through puppet skits and games and discussions. They responded well.

There was a loud rumbling that sounded like thunder, so I ignored it.

It began to rain around 12:00 and we sent the children back to the hall to their mothers. The rain grew heavier. But as soon as it reduced children kept coming back to the tent. They said they didn’t want to stay in the hall and that they liked to stay in the CFS with us.

We recommenced little activities and 15 minutes into it there was a loud rumbling that sounded like thunder, so I ignored it. Then it was followed by a second one and a noise immediately after that I can’t explain.

It sounded like millions of rocks falling on other rocks. A continuous noise.

When we looked out of the tent we saw the mountain come down and it created a white smoke like a mist.

I can’t describe that moment.

It sounded like millions of rocks falling on other rocks. A continuous noise. I can’t describe that moment.

Immediately there was loud hooting by the people from the camp towards the mountain. They were not hooting because they were scared but because some of their family members had gone home to check on their homes and they were sending out a warning with this noise coaxing them to leave the area immediately.

People were panicked and we panicked too. We had never experienced something like this before. Soon we sent the children to their parents and the camp administration began to evacuate families from the camp to a safer location.

We too packed our equipment and left the premises. Samantha wasn’t there when this happened. He had gone to visit another camp. We informed him of the evacuation and started to walk out with the others. The area was already crowded with people who had come to see the first landslide location.

A lorry that was carrying the children away to a new location also offered us a lift.

The Response Manager instructed all World Vision staff in the area to evacuate. We are looking forward to working with the children tomorrow again after assessing the situation.

But tonight that noise will not stop ringing in my ears.

All children and their families are safe in a new location. Psycho-social support for children is one of the greatest needs in Aranayake. World Vision plans to operate a Child Friendly Space in every camp location providing the children a safe place while helping them regain a sense of normalcy. As the relief moves onto recovery we will also look into helping them get back to school.