Flood Relief 2016 – What to Donate, Whom to Contact, and Follow.

With more areas flooding in and thousands of people getting displaced, here's a quick breakdown of what they urgently need. Drop off points for donations, meanwhile, can be found here. What follows here are some suggestions for what to donate, and where to get help or information.

Cash

In such instances, it's best to donate cash to reliable organizations so that they could make necessary purchases. You can donate online to Sri Lanka Red Cross and they'll take it from there. Check out Sarvodaya as well. Additionaly, there's a Gofundme account too, which's set up in collaboration with Sri Lanka Unites and the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown. The target is to raise AUD 5000.

Cash can sometimes be better because people on the ground can route resources where they're needed. Aranayake, for example, got a lot of coverage but supplies sent there now exceed demand.

Dry Rations

For basic meals. Could include rice, lentils, chickpeas, and any other legumes. Drinkables like packets of tea leaves, coffee, and malted drinks would also help. Include tinned and powdered items. Basically, any non-perishable and easy-to-use goods should do. You can place your donation through the PickMe app like so:

Uber is helping out as well.

Both Uber and PickMe will pick up goods from wherever you are.

Basically everyone is pitching in, from radio stations to TV stations to companies. For a constantly updated list of places to contribute, see our list here: Flood Relief How To Help.

Toiletries & Basic Necessities

Given that the flood victims have lost everything in their homes, they're short of clothes and items like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pampers, and sanitary wear. Consider bundles of these especially as women and toddlers will be in dire need of the latter items. There are many calls for bottled water, so those too. Rubber slippers, towels, bedsheets, and pillows would also be welcomed.