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| Water, water everywhere The Parakrama Samudraya has reached spill level |
*Over 600,000 affected
*Highest rainfall in Batticaloa
*Central Province schools might close
The Meteorology Department yesterday predicted more showers in several areas in the North, North East, North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Central provinces during the next several days.
Batticaloa had received the highest rainfall of 300 mm by yesterday. A Met Department official said that the adverse weather experienced over a long time was due to the changing climatic conditions in the region.
Meanwhile, the spill gates of several reservoirs and tanks in the north central province have been opened. Several others are reported to be at spill level.
Reports reaching from North Central Province said that around 80 percent of the small and medium scale tanks in the province were at spill level.
Over 600,000 people have been affected by floods in the Eastern and North Central Provinces.
At least five deaths have been reported so far due to floods and landslides islandwide.
In Dodanwela, Kandy four houses collapsed due to landslides yesterday burying their occupants. Reports reaching from Kandy said two people have died and four have been seriously injured. The seriously injured have been admitted to hospital.
A rescue operation was on to find several others, a Disaster Management Centre (DMC) official said.
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| The water gushing out from the Parakrama Samudraya after spill gates were opened. Pictures by Gamini Obeysekara, Polonnaruwa Spl Corr |
The DMC said that around 650 houses have been fully damaged with 2,500 have been damaged partially. Torrential rains have caused extensive damage to crops in several areas as well. Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts have borne the brunt. According to the DMC, over 5,000 people are being sheltered in 18 temporary camps. Meanwhile, a large number of people in the east were reported to be stranded due to heavy flooding.
Train services to Trincomalee and Batticaloa too have been affected due to flooding, according to reports with authorities curtailing the services at Kekirawa on a temporary basis.
Meanwhile, there was speculation that authorities might close Central Province Schools today as heavy rains and winds lashed several areas of the province throughout yesterday.
Government authorities said that speedy measures have been taken to rescue the affected and provide assistance for those who have been displaced.
Courtesy - Daily News - By Rasika Somarathna
