Heavy rain causes havoc in the Up-Country

By Prasad Rukmal

Much havoc has been caused by heavy rain experienced at present in the Badulla District.   

District Secretary Panduka Prabhath Abeyratne said last morning several roads in Badulla town and its environs had been obstructed by earth slips and rock falling. He said more than 220 people in 62 families had been displaced due to the overflow of the Baduluoya river. He said Simanatissagama, Kailagoda, Badulupitiya and Andeniya areas were the worst affected.   

He said several houses in Haputale, Magiripura, Pallekiruwa, Maduwata Udagama Pallethenna, Sirimalgoda, Rideemaliyedda and Beddewela areas had been damaged by earth slips and gale force wind.   

Meanwhile, Hali-ela- Ketawala road had been obstructed by a huge tree that fell across the road and the Badulla – Spring Valley road by an earth slip.  

District Secretary said traffic on the Badulla - Welimada road was operating on single lane due to a massive earth slip at Ettampitiya area. He said the water level in Baduluoya river was rising fast and that Uduwara bridge at the 5th KM Post had gone underwater. He said the Welimada – Udapussellawa road had been obstructed by earth slips.   

Asst. Director, Disaster Management E. M. L. Udayakumara warned residents living on the banks of Baduluoya river to be cautious of any possible flood threat since the river was rising fast due to the incessant rain.   

Meanwhile Badulla District Executive Engineer of the Road Development Authority said more than 20 minor earth slips had occurred from Amunuwatta to Pissagama Junction on the Passara- Lunugama road and warned drivers to be cautions when passing through the affected locations.   

The District Secretary said steps were taken to provide urgent relief to the affected families and to provide them shelter in safer locations.  

Uva Province Governor Kapila Jayasekara last morning visited the affected area and looked into the needs of the people.