Quick relief for storm victims

A special programme has been launched under the direction of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa to provide immediate relief to the victims of gale-force winds that hit several areas of the Gampaha District last Friday.

The winds affected several villages in the Gampaha, Minuwangoda and Attanagalla Divisional Secretariats displacing 815 people of 213 family units and partly damaging 202 houses. Five houses were completely destroyed while the wind swept away the roofs of some houses. Trees fallen on the roads obstructed the movement of traffic while train services were also affected. Power supply too was affected in some areas.

The accelerated relief programme has been launched through Minister Rajapaksa's Gampaha District Coordinating Office. Cooked meals for displaced persons are being distributed while roofing sheets were provided for repairing damaged houses. Steps are also being taken to compensate people whose houses were completely damaged.