Assessment carried out by Samantika  Ekaniake  (UN volunteer) and Alain  Pasche (UNDAC) on 28^th January 2004 by helicopter.

1.      General information

From Morutowa (approx. 17 km from Colombo) down to Galle (100 km from Colombo) the coast line has been affected to varying degrees. The shoreline damage from ranges from 200 to 1000 meters. 

Fishermen and their families (one of the poorest category of the population), whose houses are usually built directly on the beach, are most affected. They have lost everything and they request immediate assistance.

To a lesser extent, the tourists have also been affected. Their evacuation is under way with the support of the Air Force, Army and tour operators.  

2.      Galle District

Death toll

1750 reported dead (500 identified bodies and 275 non identified bodies in the City of Galle plus 1,000 dead in the train).

Affected persons

20,000 homeless peoples left without any resources.

Settlement

Homeless people have settled in 29 different places. Those “informal refugee camps” are not properly organized. Assistance is requested to provide adequate camp management.

Food distribution

Food distribution is taking place already by local authorities with the help of the Armed Forces (Air Force is providing air transport mainly by helicopters).

Food distribution is obviously not very well organized and does not cover homeless people needs. Assistance is also urgently requested.

Spontaneous Food distributions (privately organized) have also been observed in the city of Galle without supervision of local authorities.

Immediate needs

Fuel, non cooked food (rice, lentils, dry fish, wheat, ….) , infant milk, medicine, hygiene kits, bed sheets, clothing.

Infrastructures

Coastal road is usable (the main blockages have been removed).

The main bridge has been damaged and therefore can not be used but alternative itinerary is available.

The coastal railway line is cut in many places. The damages are extensive and several weeks or even months will be necessary to restore the rail traffic.

The Galle maternity has been completely washed out and is non operational. The main hospital has not been affected and is fully operational.

According to HTW (German technical assistance), the main water line has been cut but the local Authorities reported that water quality is ok. Water is potable, but needs to be distributed.

3.      Support

All flight and vehicle arrangements have been made by Mr. Sunsil P. Maligapse Assistant Superintendent of Police.

In Galle the assessment team got the full support of Mr. Lasanta da Silva,  Senior Superintendent of Police who provided the vehicles and who was present during all the assessment.