Compensation for downdraft victims

Irangika Range

The Government will provide sufficient compensation for the 33 houses partially damaged by the downdraft that followed the heavy rainfall and fairly strong winds on Monday in Lunama South and Walawa areas of Ambalantota last afternoon.

According to the Director of the National Disaster Relief Services Center (NDRSC) N.D.Hettiarachchi that details on damaged houses are being collected through the District officials. "Once we get the correct information, we will provide compensation" he said.

According to the Hambantota District Disaster Management Coordinator and Squadron Leader Sanath Peiris the downdraft had hit Lunama South between 12.30pm to 1.pm. damaging 13 houses partially. Hereafter, It was directed to the sea through Walawa area damaging around 20 houses partially.

He said that no deaths have been reported so far. A number of trees have been fallen disrupting transport. "We have already removed the fallen trees," he said. "Details of damaged houses have already been collected and will be sent to the authorities to provide compensation," he said.

According to the duty meteorologist of the Meteorology Department, Meril Mendis, a downdraft develops with heavy rainfall and fairly strong winds.

This can be experienced with the activation of monsoon winds as well.

There will be occasional showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts.

Fairly strong winds will also be accompanied by showers today.