E-Paper
76,000 affected by Sri Lankan floods
Sri Lankan authorities have intensified relief and rehabilitation measures following flash floods that have affected more than 76,000 people across the Island country.
Sri Lankan authorities have intensified relief and rehabilitation measures following flash floods that have affected more than 76,000 people across the Island country.
Arrangements have been made to provide relief through government agents to flood victims, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said.
About 18,082 families comprising 76,760 persons have been affected in Kalutara, Gampaha, Matara, Galle in the west and Puttalam Districts in northern Sri Lanka.
An allocation of Sri Lankan rupees 6.3 million has already been made by the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry to be given to the District Secretaries, according to officials.
As a result of the rainy weather followed by floods, 16 houses have been completely damaged and 68 houses partially damaged.
The Disaster Relief Center is monitoring the situation and is operational round the clock and is on stand by to provide emergency relief.
The minister instructed Government Agents to take immediate action to clear areas inundated with rain water by releasing the water in low lying areas if necessary making use of backhoe machines for trench digging.
