United By Humanity: Sri Lankan People Line Up To Donate Blood To Save Lives Of Blast Survivors
At least 160 people have been killed so far and 300 injured after eight explosions took place in and around Colombo. Three explosions took place in different churches and three more in hotels. The seventh explosion took place near the Colombo Zoo in Dehiwala. After these shocking attacks, several Sri Lankans have taken to social media to request people to donate blood.
The high casualties caused by the blasts that rocked Colomblo and Batticaloa on Easter Sunday have caused an overflow of patients across hospitals in the two blast-hit cities.
The Sri Lanka National Blood Transfusion has issued a notice seeking blood donations to balance out the deficit in blood reserves, so that the hospitals are able to cater to all the casualties.
Due to the prevailing disaster situation blood requirement is becoming increased, request volunteers to donate blood to Narahenpita blood center - Sri Lanka National Blood Transfusiom Service. #LKA #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/UC9Xu4jwwQ
¡ª Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) April 21, 2019
Colombo¡¯s Archbishop Malcom Cardinal Ranjith addressed a press conference following the attacks. He not only condemned the attacks but also encouraged fellow Sri Lankans to show support for the victims by donating their blood.
His Eminence Malcom Cardinal Ranjith requests public to remain calm and kindly requests donate blood for hospitals. He condemned the #EasterSunday attack #LKA #SriLanka #EasterSundayAttacksLK #EasterAttackSL #Colombo pic.twitter.com/D9nl8T9jYQ
¡ª Sri Lanka Tweet ?? (@SriLankaTweet) April 21, 2019
After the message went viral, people donated their blood and even posted pictures on social media.
1.
True face of my fellow citizen... Crowds are gathered there to donate blood at National Blood Bank.
¡ª Anoj Thabrew (@anojthabrew) April 21, 2019
Thank you all...
Proud of you....#SriLankaBlast #blooddoners #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/gZQDnyodjj
2.
Overwhelming response at National Blood Centre. It¡¯s so overcrowded they cannot control the crowd. Currently they are sending back people who have come after taking down name, contact and blood group. Don¡¯t rush there now go leisurely as the crowd subsides #LKA pic.twitter.com/EAvYyr73kH
¡ª Usman Ali ?? (@usmanali_la) April 21, 2019
3.
Thank you to all first responders. Thank you to all hospital staff. Thank you to everyone rushing to donate blood. Let's hope #SriLanka finds strength to defeat whatever caused these heinous acts.
¡ª Let Me Love You Zayn (@zaynurSunshine) April 21, 2019
4.
In this horrific moment I wold say proudly that I'm a Sri Lankan, standing here in the National Blood Bank for hours to donate blood with 100s of fellow Sri Lankans. Please stop sharing graphic images of the devastation, let's pray for victims and let's pray for peace. pic.twitter.com/QOYhCyXy38
¡ª Ramesh Thiruchelvam (@ramthi) April 21, 2019
5.
Seems National Blood Bank is unable to handle the massive turn out of people who are risking their own lives to donate blood. This is my Sri Lanka. This is what it means to be Sri Lankan. As long as this spirit remains this country will not die! @NamithSwarnasinghe pic.twitter.com/pEQd2LGfTk
¡ª Jeevani Fernando (@Jeevanifdo) April 21, 2019
6.
Blood transfusions required to save lives after the church attacks in Sri Lanka. People have heeded the call and are lining up at the hospitals to give blood. A nice story amongst the horror. Pray for Sri Lanka #SriLanka #srilankablasts #EasterSunday #Easter2019
¡ª Daley Vandaz (@DaleVD) April 21, 2019
7.
National Blood Bank brimming with people come to donate blood! Such an overwhelming response #faithinhumanityrestored #Slchurchattacks pic.twitter.com/ODnqOhQySZ
¡ª Zahrah Imtiaz (@Imtiaz88Zahrah) April 21, 2019
8.
Really proud of the people who are gathered at the blood bank. #prayforsrilanka #lka #SriLankaBlast #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/OZj1WgTrkX
¡ª Shihaan (@BiscuitKudu) April 21, 2019
9.
No shortage of blood, medicine, staff or ambulances, hospitals able to provide the required card: Head of National Hospitals #lka
¡ª Marianne David (@MarianneDavid24) April 21, 2019
10.
If anyone need A positive blood, contact me - 077 48 38 038.
¡ª Oliver Queen (@ExcuzeMiReturn) April 21, 2019
I¡¯m willing to donate my blood.#Lka #BloodAPlka
We pray for the speedy recovery of the people injured in the blasts and strength to the people who lost their loved ones in these blasts.
