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N’Eliya powerless after winds blow ancient tree onto electricity pylons
View(s):A 100-year-old tree has crashed on four electricity poles in Paranakada Vidiya in Nuwara Eliya, before landing on a parked van, when it was uprooted by high winds, cutting power supplies to the whole of Nuwara Eliya yesterday morning.
Pic by Sheltan Hettiarachchi
The Sri Lanka Electricity Board was up and about all day trying to remedy the situation which was caused by North-West winds creating havoc in the district since Monday (15). The Timber Corporation has cleared the roads of branches.
Residents were prepared for the winds that are usually hazardous in June and July, by placing rocks and planks to prevent their roofs from being blown off. Nuwara Eliya town has its fair share of old and giant trees. Residents say the heavy branches overhanging the main road should be cut and cleared before anyone is seriously hurt. No injuries were reported in yesterday’s incident.
Meanwhile, President Sirisena is to visit Nuwara Eliya today.