Inclement weather to continue, warns DMC

A woman walks with a girl along a flooded road in the heavy rains in Malawana, Sri Lanka May 23, 2018 - REUTERS

A boy paddles as he floats on a foam board on a flooded road in the heavy rains in Biyagama, Sri Lanka May 23,2018 - REUTERS

The prevailing inclement weather conditions are expected to continue for at least the next 24 hours, with flooding being the main cause of damage thus far, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said yesterday (23 May).

According to the latest data from the DMC, 84,943 people and 18,542 families have been affected by the adverse weather, where a total of 10 persons have lost their lives, while another seven people have been injured. 

A total of 29 houses have been completely destroyed, in addition to 2,527 houses being partially damaged. 

The DMC data also showed that 169 crucial infrastructure assets have been damaged in the 14 districts across the island, due to the prevailing South-west monsoon.

Meanwhile, Irrigation and Water Resources and Disaster Management State Minister Palitha Range Bandara said that a compensation of Rs.1 million will be offered for those who have lost their lives while engaged in occupations during the current disaster situation. He said that a sum of Rs.10,000 is expected to be provided to each house affected by the floods for cleaning purposes.

The State Minister also noted that every necessary facility, including sanitary products, will be provided to the people placed at safety centres. He stressed that all District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries have been provided with sufficient funds to immediately provide the necessary relief items to the flood victims. 

The Road Development Authority (RDA) also restricted vehicular movements along the Kaduwela-Biyagama main bridge, as soil erosion has been identified on the sidewaysof the Kelani River bank connecting to the bridge. 

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Spokesman Director Sulakshana Jayawardena told the Daily FT that electricity supply in Katunayake, Bolawatte, Pannala, Chilaw, Anuradhapura and Maho has been restored, but service had not yet been restored in the Puttalam area. He assured that the CEB workers were working to restore the supply of electricity in Puttalam soon.

Further, the Government has set up 194 safety centres, where 27,621 persons are being housed, including 7,525 families.