Over 23,000 affected by floods

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Picture by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa

Over 23,000 persons have been affected by floods triggered by torrential rains that lashed several parts of the country on Monday. As of noon yesterday 23,002 people from 5,419 families have been affected by floods and mishaps caused by gale force winds in the Western, Uva and Central provinces.

According to the Disaster Management Centre, Wattala, Jaela, Kandana, Minuwangoda and Mahara in the Gampaha District have been badly hit by the floods. About 22,971 persons from 5,411 families in Gampaha District have been affected by rainy weather while 2,088 persons from 459 families had been evacuated to 10 safety locations, DMC sources said.

Akurana and Koralaya areas in Kandy district too have been badly affected by heavy rains and strong winds with 14 persons affected. Six persons in Laggala have been affected by lightning related incidents. Two persons in Haliela in Badulla have also been affected by landslides while two persons have been rendered homeless in Kaduwela.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department forecasts showers or thundershowers throughout the island during the afternoons and nights for another one week. Heavy rainfall is likely in certain areas. The public have been requested to be on alert during heavy rains particularly with regard to lightning activity and localized strong winds.