3 June 2024 07:51 am Views - 260
By Yohan Perera and Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
Heavy rains are expected to continue in many parts of the country today and the Disaster Management Centre is ready for an emergency and major flood situation, the Daily Mirror learns.
The Meteorological Department predicts up to 150 mm of rain throughout the island today and the public have been urged to remain cautious and avoid stepping outdoors especially in the flood prone areas.
The death toll from the extreme weather in the past 24 hours has risen to 10, with several individuals reported missing. State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said that search operations are underway for the missing individuals.
Since Saturday, relentless rainfall has triggered widespread flooding and landslides, causing extensive damage across multiple regions. Heavy rains have submerged areas downstream of the Kelani, Nilwala, Kalu, and Gin rivers, affecting the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and North-western provinces.
Among the victims are three family members who drowned in floodwaters and an individual killed by a landslide in Puwakpitiya. In Deiyandara, two people, aged 20 and 27, died when a landslide destroyed their home.
The Department of Irrigation has reported a major flood threat due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Kelani, Nilwala, and Gin river basins. As a precautionary measure, all schools will be closed today as major flood looms as a result of rains that had come down in torrents due to the Southwest Monsoon and anticipated to persist over the next 48 hours. Power supply was disconnected in flood hit areas in Galle, Kalutara, Colombo and Kegalle districts as a precautionary measure. Rainfall of 427.5mm was reported from Eheliyagoda, 348.5mm in Ingiriya, 283.5mm in Akuressa, 280.5mm in Salawa, 276mm in Parinda Nuwara while rainfall of 267mm was reported from Deraniyagala as per the data from the Disaster Management Centre.
The Department of Irrigation warned that there is a possibility of a major flood situation occurring in low-lying areas of Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga valleys situated in Bulathsinhala, Madurawala and Palinda Nuwara D/S Divisions. Areas including Dehiovita, Ruwanwella, Seethawaka, Dompe, Homagama, Kaduwela, Biyagama, Kolonnawa, and Wattala D/S Divisions of the Kalu River are at risk of experiencing floods.
Additionally, there is a possibility of a floods occurring in low-lying areas of the Gin Ganga valley situated in Neluwa, Thawalama, Nagoda, Niyagama, Welivitiya-Divithura, Elpitiya, Akmeemana, Baddegama and Bope-Poddala D/S Divisions.
Furthermore, low-lying areas of the Nilwala River valley situated in Pasgoda, Kotapola, Pitabeddara, Akuressa, Athuraliya, Malimbada, Thihagoda, Kamburupitiya, Matara and Devinuwara D/S Divisions are at risk of experiencing floods.
Residents in these regions are urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution, while drivers traversing through these areas are advised to be especially mindful of the conditions.
The Irrigation Department said that authorities responsible for disaster management are called upon to implement necessary precautions and preparedness measures in anticipation of potential flooding.
Meanwhile, 10 Navy flood relief teams have been deployed to the affected areas of Bulathsinhala, Puwakpitiya, Palindanuwara, Welipanna in the Kalutara District, Thavalama in the Galle District and Akurassa and Panadugama in the Matara District providing essential relief to the impacted communities.
In addition, 116 Navy relief teams, including units from the Rapid Action Boat Squadron, Special Boat Squadron, and Navy Marines, are on standby and are ready to be deployed immediately to assist the public in the event of flooding. Army troops have been deployed in various areas to conduct rescue operations and provide relief to those affected by severe flooding in low-lying regions around the rivers, caused by adverse weather conditions across the island.
Troops have been deployed to Kiriella, Dehiowita, Moravaka, Thawalama, Thihagoda, and Neluwa areas. Additionally, the Army has established cooking facilities in the Malimbada and Salawa areas to provide meals for displaced individuals. As per the instructions of the Army Commander, Security Forces Commanders have been directed to ensure that troops maintain a state of readiness to respond promptly to any emergency situations and continue rescue operations as needed.