Rs 35m for flood relief

Rafik Jalaldeen

The Government has released Rs 35 million as flood relief for 407,549 persons belonging to 93,955 families who have been affected by torrential rains.

Deputy Director of Disaster Management Pradeep Kodipilli said all measures have been taken to provide relief to the people affected by floods in many parts of the country.

The Gampaha district was the worst hit by floods as nearly 50,000 families have been affected while the largest number of flood related deaths (11) was also reported from Gampaha out of a total of 22 reported islandwide.

He said 11,226 persons rendered homeless are now living in 66 camps. Around 531 houses were completely damaged while 2,707 houses suffered partial damage by the strong winds accompanying thunderstorms.

However, he said the floods have started to recede in many areas including in the Gampaha district, adding that if the rain continues in the same intensity they would have to face a difficult situation.

“Even though, all the areas affected by floods are not fully under control, we are carrying out relief measures effectively. The Government has released Rs 35 million as relief to the affected people by pre-monsoonal rains ”, Kodippilli said.

The Meteorology Department predicts another week of thundershowers in the Southwestern parts the Central, Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces as well as Galle and Matara districts.

Meteorology Department Deputy Director S.R. Jayasekera said heavy showers may occur from time to time for another week in many parts of the country.

On and off showers or thundershowers will be expected in the Southwestern parts of the country. This type of weather can continue for at least another week

Strong winds with heavy showers will continue in several parts of the country.

“The wind can strengthen along with the intensity of the rains. Strong winds will be found in the Southwestern parts of the country. Wind speeds of between 30-40km\hs will be experienced in the Southwestern direction and this speed can increase to 50km\h at times”, Jayasekera said.