Adverse weather affects over 57,000 people

Wednesday, 10 October 2018 08:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Nuwan Senarathna

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) yesterday confirmed that a total of 57,015 people from 14,175 families had been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to the DMC, nine deaths had been reported, with one person missing and 19 injured. In addition, 68 houses have been completely damaged and 1,885 houses have been partially damaged, while 12,000 people from 2,611 families are being housed at 28 temporary relocation centres in three districts.

“The situation in most areas is moving to pre-disaster status. However, spill gates have been opened in the Rajanganaya, Daduru Oya, Laxapana and Kukuleganga reservoirs. Therefore, we request people living downstream to be vigilant,” DMC Spokesman Pradeep Kodippili said yesterday.

He added that the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) issued a red level landslide warning (evacuation massage) for the Kalutara District, Walallawita, Bulathsinhala, Agalawatta, Mathugama, Baduralia and Ingiriya Divisional Secretariat divisions as well as surrounding areas.

“Due to the effect of the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, the prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue in the South-Western part of the island,” Duty Officer Meteorologist Merill Mendis told Daily FT.

He said that showers would occur today at a time in the Western, North-Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts, while noting that showers or thundershowers would occur elsewhere particularly after 2.00 p.m.

“Heavy rainfall of about 100 mm can be expected at some places in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by lightning,” he added.

Irrigation Department (Hydrology) Director Mala Alawathugoda said that river water levels at many stations had been gradually subsiding over the past 24 hours. However, she said minor flood levels were recorded at some points of the Kalu Ganga and Gin Ganga.