Minisry of Defence Issues Guidelines for Accelerated Disaster Relief Operations

COLOMBO (News 1st): The guidelines related to providing disaster relief have been issued by the Ministry of Defence.

The circular pertaining to the government's accelerated relief program, intended to restore the lives of the people affected and shattered by the Cyclone Ditwah, was issued on the 6th of December.

The Ministry of Defence, through the circular issued to all District and Divisional Secretaries, has notified that these guidelines are being released to implement the Disaster Relief and Restoration program.

Approval for the program has also been received from the Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.

The parties involved in facilitating relief operations and their respective roles are separately included in these guidelines.

Accordingly, The task of carrying out the preliminary work concerning school students affected by the disaster, damaged houses, people who lost their livelihoods, and people displaced from their homes, is assigned to the Rural Disaster Management and Relief Services Committee.

The task of resolving issues arising in relation to providing allowances to the public is assigned to the Divisional Disaster Management and Relief Services Committee.

The District Committee is tasked with providing instructions to the Divisional Committee regarding issues arising during the disbursement of the Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 allowances.

The guidelines mentioned that when providing allowances and relief, for families affected by the disaster should be given a lump sum of Rs. 25,000 per housing unit, irrespective of ownership of the house, to clean their home or temporary shelter to make it fit for re-occupation.

This lump sum of Rs. 25,000 should be disbursed without a damage assessment.

The allowance due for a house that is rented out is to be received by thetenant.

If the owner of the house also resides in the rented house, the money should be shared equally between them.

Meanwhile, An allowance of Rs. 50,000 per housing unit must also be provided to purchase kitchenware and household appliances necessary for resettlement in houses affected by the disaster.

It is stated that this allowance should be provided regardless of land ownership or income level.

The guidelines mention that this allowance should be given to owners of permanent housing units affected by the disaster, residents of estate houses, tenants, residents of unauthorised houses, residents of government official quarters, government-registered children's homes, elders' homes, and residential centres for persons with disabilities.

It is stated that this Rs. 50,000 allowance should be disbursed once the damage is confirmed.

Necessary decisions regarding issues arising in the selection of allowances and beneficiaries should be resolved by the District Disaster Management and Relief Services Committee, taking regional needs into account, and those decisions will be considered final.

Furthermore, it includes information about an allowance payable for up to three months to families whose permanent residence is lost or completely damaged and who are unable to engage in livelihood activities.

Accordingly, families with two members or less will receive Rs. 25,000 per month, while the amount for families with more than 3 members is Rs. 50,000.

It states that the allowance should be released to the head of the household.

It has also been decided to provide a one-time allowance of Rs. 15,000 per school child affected by the disaster to purchase stationary and clothing.

The guidelines include that a monthly rental allowance, up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000for a period of up to 6 months, should be provided for temporary settlement elsewhere to those who have lost their house due to landslides and are without a residence.