Floods affect over 3,800

Hemanthi GURUGE

Around 3,831 people belonging to 16,606 families in the Ratnapura district have been affected by floods, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said. At least three deaths were reported in Pelmadulla, Ratnapura and Elapatha.

Landslides have affected several villages while the affected families were evacuated to safer places. Nearly 280 people belonging to 56 families have been provided temporary shelter.

Several districts including Galle, Ratnapura and Kalutara have experienced floods due to the heavy rain.

The water level of Kalu Ganga has risen and the Irrigation Department urged the public in the area to be vigilant.

Bulathsinghala-Diyakaduwa road, Paragoda, Molkawa, Hindakaramulla, Duwella-Kudaligama roads and low lying areas have been inundated and impassable due to opening of three sluice gates of Kukuleganga.

Several roads in the Galle district including Dellawa-Neluwa road and Neluwa-Mawanana road have been inundated.

The highest rainfall of 189 mm was recorded from Kukuleganga during 24 hours ending at 8.30 am yesterday. A 166.9 mm rainfall was experienced in the Ratnapura district.

The Meteorological Department predicted showers or thunder showers during the afternoon and night today. Fairly heavy rainfalls are likely at some places.