Floods kill five, displaces thousands
25 November 2012 11:31 am
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Adverse weather conditions had left five people dead in several areas during the last two days while several districts have been affected by floods. Disaster Management Center said today
The districts affected were Anuradapura, Badulla, Moneragala, Ratnapura Hambantota and Galle and Matara District. Deaths were reported from Ratnapura and Kamburupitiya.
Water levels in Rajangane Tank began to rise steadily forcing the irrigation authorities to open two sluice gates. Irrigation Engineer at the Rajangae tank Aruna Konagedara said more gates will have to be opened if the heavy rains prevail.
Some 190 families were displaced in Moneragala as result of Kudaoya Tank beginning to overflow last Friday. This was confirmed by Disaster Management Center Assistant Distector Ravindra Kumar who said Debaraara, Balaharuwa, Kudaoya and Kedula areas were under water in the district leaving 110 families displaced. The displaced persons have been relocated to the Debaraara Temple.
Navy had provided boats and are assisting in the evacuation of affected persons.
The Hambantota District was reported to be worst affected area with more than 300 families being affected. It was reported that 25 houses have been damaged in Suriyawewa in the Hambantota District. Several villages in Tangalle were also under water. The Katuwana Mindeniya Road was under water while houses in Polommatruwa, Beliattha, and Getamanna areas were under water forcing the evacuation of people.
The vehicle of a newly married couple who was returning after their wedding ceremony was also wasghed away in Sooriyawewa and had fallen into a mud hole according to the residents in the area.
In addition the Irambara Ganga which is a branch of Nilwala Ganga started overflowing yesterday making Kamburupitiya Matara Road impassable.
Meanwhile Heavy mist was reported in Badulla Town.
(Yohan Perera)