The flood risks following heavy rains since Thursday are dissipating, but the landslide risks persist in the districts where warnings had been issued, officials of the Irrigation Department, National Buildings and Research Organisation (NBRO) and Disaster Management Centre (DMC) told the Sunday Observer yesterday.
Adverse weather including heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning, have affected many districts, including Kalutara, Gampaha, Colombo, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Hambantota, Galle, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, Kandy, and Kilinochchi. The inclement weather affected 22,069 people of around 5,349 families with one reported fatality in Millaniya. Over 100 houses were damaged due to strong winds.
In the Western Province, in the Gampaha, Colombo, and Kalutara districts, over 5,000 families have been adversely affected. These areas experienced extensive flash flooding and strong winds, leading to disruptions in public transport.
The Ministry of Defence has issued a circular that Disaster Relief Officers in the flood-affected districts ensure timely distribution of three nutritious meals per day and clean drinking water for those affected.
The circular states that officers must maintain a list of relief recipients and track expenses related to the purchase of relief items, ensuring that all activities are conducted transparently and will be subject to later supervision.
It instructed Disaster Relief Officers to provide dry rations to those in need and to keep a record of the expenses.
Director General of the Irrigation Department, Engineer A. Gunasekara said that the rivers and tributaries including the Kalu Ganga, Kelani Ganga and Gin Ganga where the water levels were rising and reaching spill levels were now declining.
Gunasekara said they do not expect heavy rainy rainfall as per the forecasts of the Meteorology Department.
When asked about the risks of landslides following warnings issued by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) for several districts, including Badulla, Galle, Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura, Engineer A. Gunasekara said, “While the floods may dissipate, the risk of landslides will persists for several days. The soil still contains significant moisture, which could lead to landslides.”
Sources from the Meteorology Department said that intermittent showers or thundershowers are expected across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western, and Central Provinces, with some areas likely to receive rainfall up to 75mm.
More showers and thundershowers are anticipated in the evenings in various locations, with rainfall extending to the Northern, Eastern, and Uva Provinces in the mornings. Winds are expected between 30 and 40 km/h, particularly in the affected provinces.
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President allocates Rs. 50 m for flood relief
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Finance Ministry to allocate Rs. 50 million towards flood relief efforts in the country.
The President has directed the Defence Ministry Secretary to prioritise the safety of those affected by floods and landslides. Urgent measures are being implemented to ensure that assistance reaches those in need.
Local Government officials in the affected districts have been called upon by the President to engage in relief operations, ensuring that every affected family receives essential aid.
For immediate response to emergency situations, the public could contact the Disaster Management Centre’s hotline at 117. Assistance can also be accessed on the following hotline numbers: 0112136136, 0112136222 or 0112670002. – (CW)