Rains expected to subside from today

The number of people affected by heavy rains and minor floods had risen to 55,780, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said yesterday (06).They belonged to 13,627 families living in 12 districts, the DMC announced.

Most of the victims are from the Western Province.Security forces have commenced rescue and relief operations to assist people marooned by floods, especially in the Southern Province.

According to the DMC, water levels of Kalu, Gin and Nilwala rivers are at spill level and the flood alerts issued for those living around these rivers have been extended by another 24 hours.The Met Department said thunderstorms will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa,Southern and Wayamba Provinces and in Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts. Meteorologist Janaka Kumara said rains would subside from Saturday (07).