Joint Humanitarian Update NORTH & EAST | SRI LANKA | Report # 29 October – November 2010 21,332 IDPs in Vavuniya and Jaffna camps as of 2 December 325,820 people released and / or returned as of 2 December Source: Compiled by UNHCR from district and Government data I. SITUATION OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS According to available information, by 2 December the total population resettled in the Northern Province since August 2009 amounts to 325,820 persons/102,081 families. In October, 9,816 persons/3,110 families returned to their areas of origin (Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Mannar districts), mostly IDPs from host families. This group included displaced in Puttalam District returning to Mannar District, IDPs in Jaffna camps heading to Maruthankerny Divisional Secretariat (DS) and returnees to newly accessible Grama Niladari (GN) Divisions in Puthukudiyiruppu (Mullaitivu District). Between 1 November and 2 December, 3,312 persons/961 families returned to Mullaitivu and Mannar districts. Most of them originated from Menik Farm. In addition, some 700 persons/170 families returned spontaneously to Mullaitivu District. Authorities confirmed that the return process from Menik Farm to Mannar was concluded by 19 November. As at 2 December, some 21,000 IDPs were still in Menik Farm. Zones 4 and 2 of the camps were closed on 9 November and 24 November, respectively, and the 4,600 IDPs living in these areas transferred to Zones 0 and 1, where shelters are in better condition. The consolidation exercise took place in view of the Northeast monsoon season and to maximize the limited resources available. The UN called upon the government to safeguard the voluntary character of IDP relocations and provide adequate facilities during the process, especially for the most vulnerable. Agencies carried out a series of rapid assessments and stepped up interventions to ensure that infrastructure/services in Zones 0 and 1 could support the increased demand for shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities and other services. Education authorities worked to address concerns of parents regarding the possible disruption the shift could have on school examinations. The population shifted from Zones 4 and 2 accepted the move, while restating their preference to return soonest to their areas of origin. Most of the remaining IDPs originate from the heavily mine‐contaminated areas in Puthukudiyiruppu DS and Maritimepattu DS (Mullaitivu District), where mine action operations are still ongoing. In October government authorities organized several commendable initiatives to share information with the IDPs as a means of managing expectations about the return process. This included a ‘come‐and‐tell’ visit to Menik Farm by the Mullaitivu authorities on 25 October to explain the delay in returns to Puthukudiyiruppu and Maritimepattu DS Divisions stemming from widespread mine/UXO contamination. Also IDPs hailing from the Mullikkulam region of Madhu DS Division in Mannar District carried out a ‘go‐and‐see’ visit to see the conditions in their home areas. On both these occasions, local government officials and demining agencies assured the IDPs that mine clearance was paving the way for resettlement, advising against premature returns. The southern section of Mullikkulam village was released for resettlement during October, while demining continues in the northern area. Compiled by OCHA | Website: http://www.hpsl.lk 1 Joint Humanitarian Update NORTH & EAST | SRI LANKA | Report # 29 October – November 2010 There are concerns regarding the increasing number of agencies departing from Mannar District, because of perceptions that the need for their work has diminished with IDP returns complete. Authorities and partners remaining in the area continue, however, to record significant continuing needs in return communities, including shelter, water, food, livelihood and other assistance. Long‐term IDPs seeking to return from Puttalam District and refugees returning from India will also require some support. On 5 November 158 alleged former combatants from Vavuniya District rehabilitation centres were handed over to their families. The Cabinet, on advice by the Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister, approved a reintegration plan for alleged former combatants on 4 November upon release from the ‘protective accommodation and rehabilitation centres in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Humanitarian agencies have been informed of the requirement to submit authorized projects for approval by the District Coordination Committee. Moreover the Vavuniya Government Agent (GA) has announced a second round of concept notes from agencies to be submitted through her office to the Presidential Task Force (PTF) for approval. UNDP is gathering information on needs and gaps at the DS level for this purpose. OCHA and UNDP are in discussions with local government authorities to further support coordination efforts, particularly to avoid duplication of project allocations. ICRC closed its Mannar office on 30 November, with plans to shut down the Vavuniya and Jaffna offices as well. FLOODS Torrential rains on 10‐11 November caused heavy flooding, particularly in Colombo District. The rainfall of 440mm recorded in 12 hours was the highest in 18 years. According to Disaster Management Centre (DMC) figures, over 235,000 persons/55,000 families were affected in Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha and Matara districts , with nearly 20,600 persons/4,000 families displaced to evacuation centres in Colombo and Gampaha districts. Within 48 hours, the water receded in many of the areas and the majority of those affected returned home. Over 300 houses have been partially/fully damaged in the Kalutara and Matara districts. DMC led a rapid assessment of affected areas, supported by OCHA, WFP and UNDP. While findings indicated that food distribution was not required, the Minister of Disaster Management highlighted the need for clothing, milk powder, potable water and school supplies for children during a meeting with stakeholders. Government provided Rs. 20 million to the Government Agents/District Secretaries for provision of cooked meals for 3 days and dry rations were provided to those who were further displaced for over a week. Other agencies provided cooked meals, water purification tablets and other essential items to supplement. Subsequent rains during November in the Western, Southern, Central, Northwest and Uva Provinces have left over 13,000 persons affected, over 3,500 displaced (in Puttalam district) and around 300 houses partially/fully damaged. The Disaster Management Ministry has allocated LKR 700,000 for relief activities in Kurunegala District, where 100 acres of paddy land have been inundated. While the rains are expected to continue November through December, the Meteorological Department continues to monitor the situation, with the DMC Emergency Operations Centre remaining on standby to respond. OCHA is supporting DMC to map the areas that were inundated for circulation to relevant stakeholders. OCHA continues to support a DMC‐led stock taking exercise of contingency stocks, services and personnel available with agencies for use during any monsoon‐related emergency. By 23 November 18 agencies have provided data. Contingency stocks are dangerously low as most resources are currently being used to address the needs of returning communities. The Northeast monsoon season has started. The first reports of floods in the north have been recorded in Mannar on 24‐25 November. Partners are concerned that any significant meteorological event, even of minimum strength, could have an enormous impact on returnees, especially the most vulnerable segment of the population. These include populations in traditionally flood‐prone areas (e.g. Puthukudiyiruppu, Odusuddan, Maritimepattu DS in Mullaitivu District, and Kandavalai and Karachchi DS in Killinochchi District), returnees in remote locations, recently returned families, those living in tents and persons with specific needs (e.g. elderly, disabled and single‐headed households, among others). According to an analysis made during distribution of assistance, these categories may cumulatively represent 40% of the entire returnee population in the Vanni. The Ministry of Disaster Management is in the process of reviewing the Disaster Management Act of 2005 in order to strengthen existing structures of the DMC and is preparing a National Policy for Disaster Management which would encompass overall guiding principles, international standards and local contexts. Compiled by OCHA | Website: http://www.hpsl.lk 2 Joint HumanitarianJoint Humanitarian Update Update NORTH & EAST | SRI LANKA | ReportNORTH # 29 & EAST | SRI LANKA | Report # 29 October – November 2010 October – November 2010 Compiled by OCHA | Website: http://www.hpsl.lk 3 Joint Humanitarian Update NORTH & EAST | SRI LANKA | Report # 29 October – November 2010 Growing funding shortfalls since the beginning of 2010 have seriously circumscribed agencies’ capacity to deliver life‐saving services to IDPs in camps and to returnees. WFP has announced that approximately US$ 24 million will be required to guarantee food aid to approximately 371,000 beneficiaries in 2011, comprising the remaining IDP population in camps, returnees and host communities. The agency forecasts a complete pipeline breakdown by next March if donor contributions are not forthcoming. As of 2 December, US$ 170 million has been received or pledged towards humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka during 2010, i.e.