A massive landslide in Meeriyabadda area in Kotabathma Grama Niladhari Division in the Haldumulla division of Badulla district occurred at approximately 0730 hrs on 29 October 2014. 1067 people (320 families) in Ampitikanda tea estate are affected. Over one hundred (subject to change) are missing and search is continuing. Of the total number of children who attended, 75 are orphaned. 73 building have been totally demolished which includes 66 houses.

A-PAD Sri Lanka activated its platform led by Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) and Ceylon Chambers of Commerce (CCC). Response from the newly established A-PAD Sri Lanka was enormous. As at now over twenty five corporates have handed over relief items to A-PAD SL which is being segregated and made into family packs for distribution. Cash donations are also being received by corporates and well-wishers.

A-PAD Management Office responded within hours by transferring funds to the national platform. A very urgent need was generators with search lights to continue 24/7 rescue operations. The number of missing people is yet to be determined and only 3 bodies have been recovered which shows the magnitude of the landslide and the need for continuous search and rescue operations.
Three Generators (4.5 KV) with search lights which could be maneuvered in the disaster zone was handed over the Ministry of Disaster Management by A-PAD SL in support of the search and rescue.

People Affected

• Number of People Affected – 1067 (320 families)
• Number of Death – 3 (bodies recovered)
• Number Missing – 100 (subject to change)
• Number of Survivors – 183
• 44 additional people assumed survived as they were not in location when tragedy occurred – yet to be identified.

A-PAD Sri Lanka  http://www.apadsl.org/