Floods affect more families in Ampara

M. A. Phakurdeen,
Addalaichenai Group Correspondent

The number of families affected by floods in the Ampara District has increased to 63,000 following continuous rains.

Sammanthurai and Akkaraipattu Divisional Secretariat Divisions have the maximum affected families with 9,435 and 9,027, Government Agent Sunil Kannangara said.

Divisional Secretaries of affected areas have made arrangements to issue dry rations to displaced families numbering 12,956 on Government Agent Sunil Kannangara’s instructions.

Around 2,087 families are occupying 20 welfare centres while 10,800 families are living in their relatives’ houses.

According to the Government Agent’s statistics, 7,250 families in the Addalaichenai Divisional Secretariat Division, 5,600 families in the Alayadivembu Divisional Secretariat Division, 6,150 families in the Nintavur Divisional Secretariat Division, 5,390 families in the Kalmunai Muslim Division, 5,980 families in the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat Divisions and 2,600 families in the Karaithivu Divisions are affected by floods.

Government Agent Sunil Kannangara visited the worst affected Akkaraipattu Divisional Secretariat Division yesterday to assess the damage caused by the floods. He also assured refugees in welfare centres that their welfare would be looked into.

Deputy Director P. T. Nimal Dayaratna said his officials are assessing the damages caused to paddy crops.

He said although more than 40,000 acres of paddy lands have been completely inundated, the actual damage caused would be known only by tomorrow after his team assesses the situation.

Metrological Department Officer in Pottuvil P. Sathanatham said the last 24 hours commencing from 8.30 a.m. on January 8 to 8.30 a.m. on January 9 recorded a rainfall of 65.2 mm. The last three hours (5.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. on January 9 recorded 62.7 mm. He said more rain is expected.