The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is distributing 30,000 pounds of medical and water purification supplies that were airlifted to Sri Lanka yesterday. The supplies, provided by AmeriCares, are being distributed by ADRA to inpatient hospitals and clinics in affected regions that have depleted their supplies aiding survivors.

“These medical supplies are urgently needed by medical facilities in Sri Lanka,” said Frank Teeuwen, bureau chief for disaster preparedness and response for ADRA International. “ADRA is grateful that our partnership with AmeriCares and ADRA’s strong presence in the country has enabled us to provide these vital supplies.”

The airlift was met by a team of AmeriCares workers who have been in Colombo since December 28. AmeriCares Project Manager Amy Daniels made this assessment of the area: "Working with the prime minister's office, we were able to do a fly-over via helicopter to assess the damage areas. Hardest hit was the Southern District, which includes the towns of Galle, Hambantota and Matara. The north and northeast areas were also strongly affected. We are working locally with ADRA, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International, to coordinate our shipments to these areas. Our medicines will be given to inpatient hospitals and clinics, which are in desperate need for antibiotics, additional medicines and other supplies."

AmeriCares is a nonprofit humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization that supports long-term medical assistance programs and provides emergency relief in the U.S. and around the world.

ADRA is already distributing World Health Organization emergency kits that will provide a one-month supply of medicine for 90,000 people in Colombo. Other aid provided by ADRA in Sri Lanka includes 200,000 one-liter bottles of drinking water and 50,000 water purification tablets, infant formula for 1,000 affected children under one year of age, and a team of medical specialists.

ADRA International urgently solicits emergency donations for this response. Only monetary donations are being accepted. Donations can be made to the Asia Tsunami Crisis Fund online at www.adra.org or by calling 800-424-ADRA (2372).

A flyer with more information on ADRA’s response is available for individuals to download and share from our website at www.adra.org.