Risk of low lying areas going under water as rivers overflow; 100 killed, 200,000 affected

Saturday, 27 May 2017 - 13:07

Risk+of+low+lying+areas+going+under+water+as+rivers+overflow%3B+100+killed%2C+200%2C000+affected
100 persons have died and 99 others missing due to adverse weather conditions affecting 14 districts.

Over 200,000 persons are reportedly affected.

Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre Pradeep Kodippili stated that rescue and relief operations are continuing.

Colombo, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Gampaha, Kandy, Matale, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Vavunia and Batticaloa districts were affected by inclement weather conditions.

Floods, landslides, collapsing of earth banks and strong winds affected these areas.

200 thousand 382 persons belonging to 52,503 families in 14 districts have been affected while 12 thousand 007 displaced people have been given temporary shelter at 69 relief camps.

Meanwhile, several low lying areas in the vicinity of the Kelani river are reportedly inundated.

Kolonnawa, Kelaniya, Biyagama, Padukka, Hanwella, Dompe and Awissawella areas are flooded.

Colombo District Secretary Sunil Kannangara stated that severe floods are not expected in Colombo.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Director for Galle and Matara, Deepika

Thri-maha-withaana stated that there is a risk of the baffles constructed under the Nilwala River Flood Protection Scheme getting washed away due to the water level in Nilwala River rising to unusual levels as a result of the river overflowing.

The Irrigation Department urges those living near such baffles to evacuate.

The Government Information Department stated that several areas including Matara – Bandaththara is at risk as the Nilwala River is overflowing near the Matara area.

Meanwhile, a section of the Matara General Hospital located by the Nilwala River has been flooded.

The Disaster Management Center noted that Godagama area has also been flooded to a depth of about 4 feet.

Hiththatiya, Thudaawa and low lying areas around Matara have also been inundated.

Meanwhile, several areas in Ratnapura are inundated and Kalawana is totally isolated.

37 persons were killed in floods and landslides in Kalutara district.

Meanwhile, the Kaduwela entry exit point of the highway is also closed due to floods.

Navy Media Spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Chaminda Walakuluge stated that over 1600 persons had been rescued so far.

Meanwhile, Army Media Spokesperson, Brigadier Roshan Senevirathna stated that the tri forces and the police have provided their continuous support for rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the MET Department stated that although the heavy rains have reduced temporarily,   showery conditions are likely to enhance again over south-western part of the island from the 29th of this month.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-western provinces.



 

 

 



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