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| Monday, 27 December 2004 |
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Massive tidal waves devastate Lanka by Sarath Malalasekara, Uditha Kumarasinghe and Manjula Fernando As an estimated 2,500 persons were killed yesterday morning by the massive tidal waves that devastated the coastal areas, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga declared a state of National Disaster and called for international assistance. The tsunami tidal waves were caused by a massive earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter Scale off the coast of Sumatra. Sri Lanka, India and Maldives were the worst affected countries of the region. This is the worst ever natural disaster in Sri Lanka. The tidal waves unexpectedly smashed into the coastal areas from KKS to Negombo early morning, leaving a massive trail of death and destruction and rendering millions homeless. Government relief agencies and Security Forces launched an immediate relief and rescue operation as the enormity of the disaster became apparent. Several countries have already pledged assistance. According to initial reports, Digamadulla is the worst affected area, with 1,220 deaths reported. Nearly 1,000 people have been killed in the Southern coastal belt, including Hambantota, Ambalantota, Tangalle, Hungama and Tissamaharama. The tidal waves have caused considerable damage to Matara, Weligama and Gandara. Twenty two deaths have been reported from Ahangama and 120 deaths from Matara. Sixty deaths were reported from Tangalle, 28 from Ahangama and 28 from Panadura. Sea water has also entered Hikkaduwa, Meetiyagoda and Bentara. Transport activities in Southern province came to a complete standstill. A large number of displaced people were seeking the assistance of boats to reach safe areas. The floods have severely affected the Matara Fort, Polhena, Madihe, Kamburugamuwa and Mirissa areas in Matara district. The electricity and water supply in the Matara city have been curtailed. Many tourist hotels in the area suffered damage and tourists are believed to be among the casualties. However, exact numbers were not available. Twenty seven tourists who were at the Yala national park are reported missing. Among them were 17 Japanese tourists. Over 10,000 people have been displaced in Uppuweli and 17 have been killed. In addition, 35,000 have been displaced in Trincomalee town, where 20 deaths have been reported. Thirty three deaths were reported from Chinabay. More than 40,000 have been displaced in Muttur, where 211 persons have been killed. The tsunamis claimed 229 lives in Kinniya and 184 from Batticaloa district. Over 5000 families have been displaced in that district. Twenty five persons have died in Ampara-Akkaraipattu. Periyamune, Kalladi, Mawagam, Batticaloa, Kalawanchikudi, Kallar, Pakkar and Kalkudah areas have been submerged. Colombo itself escaped the tidal waves, though one ship in the Port was carried away. The Modera area was hit by the waves and its fisheries harbour was damaged. The Government has set up a Special Operation Committee, which can be contacted over the hotlines 011-2542871, 2347615 and fax number 2321404. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday toured these affected districts by Air Force helicopter and discussed with officials relief measures that need to be taken to rescue the displaced. The Government has taken several immediate measures to minimise the effects of this unfortunate incident. "Therefore, the Government requests the public to act with patience." He said the Government has already sought the assistance from friendly countries. "Especially I request the people living in coastal area to move towards inland and also request the public not to go to visit these affected areas." The President's Secretary, Public Security Ministry Secretary and Commanders of three Armed Forces are coordinating the relief effort. Steps have also been taken to widen the relief service operations jointly launched by the tree Armed Forces and Police. A large number of Air Force helicopters and Navy boats have been deployed to rescue the affected people. Security forces said the affected people are now being evacuated to safe places. Meanwhile Social Services Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena said the Government will provide all possible relief measures. The Social Services Ministry is open 24 hours. The Minister requests those who need assistance to immediately inform them over the telephone number 2825235 or fax number 2824056. Government employees are requested to report their work where the tidal waves battered the coast. The Government also inform the Government employees who live close to these affected areas to contribute to the relief effort. The Government has already called in all Grama Niladaris and Divisional Secretaries in these affected areas. The Railway Control room said that railway operations in coastal line has been completely stopped. The train bound from Colombo Fort to Matara at 7.10 am yesterday was stopped at Hikkaduwa railway station. No injuries have been reported to the passengers. International new agencies have also reported that a large number of ships in the Indian Ocean have been damaged. Meanwhile, our Kandy correspondents reported that an earth tremor was experienced in some areas of Kandy, Wattegama, Hanguranketha and Walapane areas yesterday at 7.30 a.m. which lasted for about two to four minutes. Workers at the ICU and Cardiology Unit of the General Hospital (teaching) Kandy had felt the shake. Instruments on trays and television sets had started shaking. The ward staff members had held on to the instruments to prevent them from falling down. The earth tremor has been experienced in areas like Primrose Hill, Kandy too. |
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