Flood threat forces out Naval detachment,Wildlife Office from Wilpattu National Park

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe   

Officers of the Causeway Naval Detachment and the Wildlife Conservation Office at the Eduwankulama entrance in the Wilpattu National Park vacated from the area due to the prevailing flood threat. 

 
 Asst. Director of the Puttalam District Disaster Management Unit A.M.R.N.K. Alahakoon said the Causeway bridge on the Puttalam- Mannar Road had gone 8ft under water by last morning with the opening of spill gates in the Rajangana Reservoir. He said the water level in the reservoir was rising fast due to the heavy rains experienced in the area at present.   
The Navy personnel in the Causeway Naval Detachment had reported to the Wadiya Naval Base and the wildlife conservators of the Pomparippu and Mullikulam Wildlife Department Offices.   

Police said that the Puttalam – Mannar Old Road had gone under water and was impassable bringing traffic to a standstill.   

Farmers expressed concern about the crop devastation caused by heavy rains and floods. They pointed out that vegetable cultivation had been destroyed in the floods.   

He warned that a large number of people would be affected if the inclement weather persisted and that the Disaster Management Centre would seek the help of the security forces to provide relief to the people

Meanwhile Several special teams of Army, Navy and Air Force had been put on the alert to provide urgent relief to the people in case of any disastrous situation arose in the Puttalam District.  

Asst. Director of the Disaster Management Centre A.M.R.N.K.Alahakoon told the media on Tuesday, that Kalaoya  was overflowing and several tanks were spilling over. He pointed out that obstructions caused to the storm water drains and canals had prevented the free flow of water.  

He warned that a large number of people would be affected if the inclement weather persisted and that the Disaster Management Centre would seek the help of the security forces to provide relief to the people.