It now appears that deaths in Sri Lanka from the Tsunami exceed 30,000, with over a million left homeless
 
Update from Pastor Darshan Fernando, the People's Church, Colombo
 
"After this initial response, we have considered the needs of the nation and our own mission and capability and have decided to focus our relief efforts into the following areas.
 

1. Food and Emergency Items

2. Medical Aid ­ Medicines and Medical Camps

3. Trauma Care  Support

4. Housing (Resettlement of the displaced by providing material and by the construction of houses )
 

We will be focused on doing long term  relief work in the Districts listed below.
 

Mullaitivu

Ampara 

Galle  

Kalutara
 

We have set up Operational teams in each of these Districts. Each team will have a team leader and will comprise of a team of trained volunteers and care teams trained in post-trauma counseling."
 
Care Centres
 
We have attached a sketch map (pdf file) of Sri Lanka to show the approximate locations of the Care Centres.  The island of Sri Lanka is roughly 400 Km long by 200 Km wide, to give you an idea of distances.
 
It has been clear in UK TV reports that many of the worst-affected areas have been dependent for the last week on the 'citizens aid' brought to them by organisations like People's Church.  The priority has been simply that of meeting people's need where it exists, using the extensive network of affiliated churches and organisations to locate the people.  The needs are changing, and the 'Care Centre' strategy of people's Church reflects this.
 
Nevertheless, the many relief convoys sent out in the past week have been the 'rapid reation teams' that our appeal has been set up to support.  We see this operation as in the best traditions of HoverAid's flood relief activities in Africa (2000 and 2001), with aid quickly and economically delivered.  Do take a moment to read the reports and view the photographs on their website http://www.peopleschurchsl.org/home.htm 
 
A reminder about donations
We have already received many generous donations from churches, organisations and individuals - thank you so much!  We have arranged to transfer donated funds directly to People's Church Relief because the needs are so pressing.
To join us in supporting the relief effort please give in one of the following ways:
 
Letters or gifts etc may be sent to:
HoverAid, 101a High Street, Gosport, Hants PO12 1DS
 
To donate online go to  www.givenow.org and select HoverAid
 
Donations can be made by cheque or transfer direct to our account:-
The HoverAid Trust, Lloyds TSB , 20 High Street, Gosport, Hants PO12 1DE
Account No. 0525427    Sort Code: 30-93-56
 
 
UK taxpayers can donate under Gift Aid arrangements
 
Project website
 
We are indebted to Lesley Holdsworth of The British School in Colombo for setting up and maintaining the project website www.geocities.com/hoveraid_sri_lanka  Here you will find all the latest information and links.
 
Thank you for your ongoing interest and support, please share this news with others who might be interested.  We will continue sending you e-news unless you indicate otherwise - we do understand if you feel your focus is with another charity or in another country.  It is heartening that so many organisations are now working towards a more co-ordinated approach.
 
Mike Holdsworth
(for HoverAid Trust)
email:  hoveraid@btinternet.com
website www.geocities.com/hoveraid_sri_lanka