FLOOD DEATH toll rises to 42
Ridma DISSANAYAKE
* 262,091affected
* 09 MISSING
* 22 INJURED
The number of deaths following floods and landslides increased to 42
while nine persons are still reported missing. Twenty two persons
injured are hospitalised, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said
yesterday.
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Flooded roads in Vavuniya. Picture by Bandara Vipulasena |
A DMC spokesman said 262,091 persons belonging to 70,864 families
have been affected by floods, strong winds and landslides. Around 130
evacuation centres have been set up in Kurunegala, Puttalam, Mullaitivu,
Hambantota, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara- Eliya, Batticaloa, Ampara and
Trincomalee.
The centres provide shelter to 25,418 persons belonging to 7,507
families.
Over 3,100 houses were fully damaged and 7,886 houses partially
damaged. Landslides, flash floods and strong winds caused by heavy rains
were experienced in Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Puttalam, Matale, Mannar,
Batticaloa and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the spokesman said.
Over 10,500 affected families in Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts
are living with their relatives. Kalawewa, Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa and
Mahakanadarawa tanks in the Anuradhapura district are overflowing, an
Irrigation Department spokesman said.
The spokesman said another 54 minor tanks are still overflowing.
Rescue missions in affected areas are continuing with the assistance
of the Tri-Forces and the Police. District and Divisional Secretariat
offices are providing relief to affected persons. |
