More than 20,000 persons affected by extreme weather

By Prasanna Samarakoon

Over 20,000 persons in 12 districts, have been severely affected by the current spell of inclement weather, according to the Disaster Management Centre.

Storms, winds, earth slips and flash floods have been reported from 13 districts. About 61 houses had been damaged as at noon yesterday, the DMC said, adding that the affected number was around 20,000 persons from 3,200 families.

The DMC said that 2,796 persons of 849 families had been removed to safety.

Four persons were injured and hospitalised.

Incidents related to inclement weather were reported from Badulla, Moneragala, Hambantota, Mulaithivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kegalle, Ratnapura and Puttalam districts. Tissamaharama Divisional Secretary said the low lying area of Magama, Andaragasyaya, Thellulla, and Konwelena had already gone under water. Heavy rainfall experienced on Monday had resulted in a flood threat in Suriyawewa, Rammuduwewa, Meegahajadura, and Habaraththawela in the District.

The Navy said that due to the adverse weather conditions prevailing in several parts of the country, the Navy had deployed its flood relief teams. The service teams are providing much-needed assistance to those affected communities as of now. They are also using dinghies to offer crucial transportation to people struggling to meet their everyday needs.