Over 193,000 affected by Colombo floods
Disna MUDALIGE
Over 193,000 people belonging to 43,779 families were affected in the
Colombo District due to floods caused by heavy rains last Wednesday and
Thursday. Rs 10 million was allocated to provide relief for these
people, Disaster Management Center Assistant Director Pradeep Kodippili
told the Daily News.
Colombo City Traffic Director Police SP Chula de Silva said that
traffic flow in the Colombo city returned to normal and the submerged
roads are now motorable. Disaster Management Center Colombo District
Coordinator Ranjith Kapuliyadda said that water levels in most areas are
now receding and people are now moving back to their homes. However,
some areas in the Sri Jayawardenapura area are still under water.
A total of 236,938 people belonging to 55,283 families were affected
as a result of inclement weather and 24 houses were totally damaged
while 261 houses were partially damaged throughout the island.
About 20,560 people belong to 4,022 families have been provided
shelter at 15 centres established in the Colombo District.
Another 35,579 people in the Kalutara District and 8,017 people in
the Gampaha District were also affected due to floods, high winds and
landslides. Rs 10 million has been provided for relief measures in these
districts.
The distribution of cooked food and dry rations is continuing with
the coordination of Grama Niladari Divisions of the area.
The Engineering, Construction and Common Amenities Ministry has also
implemented relief services for the displaced people.
The Meteorology Department said that light evening thunder showers
could be expected in the Western Province today with somewhat rough
winds.
Thunder showers are also expected in the Northern and Eastern
Provinces during the evening. The rainy weather persisting in the island
in the evenings is expected to continue until the end of November.
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