• Divisional Secretary said at least 100 people had been affected

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe   

Gale force winds and heavy rain experienced in Neelabemma area in Karuwalagaswewa on Thursday night (13) had caused extensive damage to at least 29 houses and other property.   

District Secretary H,M.S.P.Herath said Saliyawewa, Munamalgawewa, Ihala Puliyankulama and Pahala Puliyankulama Grama Niladhari areas were the worst affected by the gale force winds. He pointed out that the roofs in several houses had been fragmented and fallen into the houses causing damage to household effects. The divisional secretary said at least 100 people had been affected.   

Ceylon Electricity Board had taken steps to restore the power supply by last morning.   

Meanwhile District Disaster Relief Management Officer B.V.Chaminda Kumara said immediate steps were taken to provide urgent relief to the affected families. He said an initial payment of Rs. 10,000 each would be paid as compensation to the damaged houses pending a comprehensive estimate of the damages.