Boats Rented to Rescue Stranded Flood Victims as Rising Waters Cut Off Road Access

As floodwaters surged across multiple districts in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, entire communities found themselves cut off from help. Roads disappeared beneath rising water levels, bridges became impassable, and standard rescue vehicles could no longer reach families trapped in their homes. In response to this urgent and life-threatening situation, Uplift's partners in Sri Lanka rented boats to assist in the rescue and evacuation of stranded victims.

With roads swallowed by floodwaters, many residents were unable to flee rising currents or access relief centres. Families were marooned in upper floors, elderly individuals were trapped in homes, and children faced dangerous conditions with no way to escape.

The rented boats allowed rescue teams to:

• Navigate narrow, submerged streets
• Reach remote homes surrounded by rapidly flowing water
• Evacuate the elderly, children, and the medically vulnerable
• Deliver water, food, and essential supplies to those unable to relocate
• Guide families safely to temporary shelters and medical facilities

Our partners emphasised that without the availability of boats, many communities would have remained beyond the reach of help for days.

If you would like to help families recovering from the floods in Sri Lanka, donations can be made here.