Nearly 18,000 families hit by floods

Shirley WIJESINGHE

Nearly 18,000 families numbering over 75,000 persons from Gampaha, Kalutara, Colombo, Matara and Puttalam districts have been affected by floods as a result of the heavy rain experienced this week.

The Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry has allocated Rs. 6.3 million to the District Secretaries to be given as relief to the flood-hit.

The floods have completely damaged 16 houses and 68 houses partially.

The Disaster Relief Centre monitoring the situation is ready to provide emergency relief when needed, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minster Rishard Bathiudeen said.

He instructed Government Agents to take immediate action to clear flooded areas by releasing water in low lying areas.