Geological Survey and Mines Bureau inspects site Subterranean seepage of water damage several houses

Several residents of Senakurippuwa, Puttalam, evacuated 

By Jayaratne Wickremarachchi   

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has arranged to carry out an inspection of the underground flow of water that resulted in damage to several houses and endangered 48 others in Juse Vas Mawatha and Kovila road areas of Senakurippuwa,in Puttalam. The team of researchers including Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Anura Walpola, Senior Director Udaya De Silva and Geologist Dr. W.I.S.Fernando had visited the area yesterday .   

Residents of the affected areas said they had been living in constant fear of danger of caving in of the ground that could result in damage to houses. They said they made representations in this regard to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his recent visit to the Puttalam district.   

They said water was oozing through gaps in the foundations of their houses and several garden wells were overflowing. They pointed out that several houses that developed cracks were on the verge of collapse and that several families had evacuated to safer locations.   

Dr. W. I. S. Fernando said two industrial tube wells in the area would have resulted in this situation. He said a report on the survey would be submitted to the President. 
He said he was hopeful that the issue could be resolved, but it could either be a short term or long term one.