Death toll from monsoon storm rises to 52

Thursday, 13 June 2013 00:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Disaster Management Centre (DMC) says the death toll from the adverse weather that swept the south western part of the country now stands at 52. Another 16 people are still reported missing and 28 people have received injuries.

The DMC has revised the death toll yesterday to 52 from an earlier figure of 56.

Bodies of 11 fishermen washed ashore yesterday, the State-run radio reported. The authorities expect the death toll to rise as the missing people are presumed dead.

The DMC said the number of missing people will be changed after identification of dead bodies.

The gale force winds have damaged 3,385 houses partially and 153 houses totally while 259 people have been evacuated to shelters. The Divisional Secretariats have provided cooked meals to the displaced people.

Meanwhile, power supply was disrupted by the heavy winds in several areas in Kaduwela and Pahala Bomiriya. Several transformers and power lines have been damaged by the wind. The Electricity Board is now taking measures to restore the power supply.

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary D.P.G. Kumarasiri says power supply has been disrupted in Hatton, Dikoya and Watawala areas due to trees fallen on power lines.

Heavy rains have filled the Lakshapana and Canyon hydropower reservoirs and authorities have opened the sluice gates.