Tri forces step-up flood relief operations in affected areas

Tri forces personnel and rescue teams are currently involved in rescue and relief efforts in flood affected areas in Weeraketiya, Neluwa, Morawaka, Deiyandara, Padukka, Bulathsinhala, Kalawana, Wellampitiya, Palindanuwara and Beliatta areas. At least 300 army personnel along with 13 navy rescue teams and air force reconnaissance teams are presently working in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and relevant District Secretariats, according to army. 

Torrential rains have caused heavy flooding and landslides in many parts of the country causing damage to lives and property. According to the DMC, heavy rains have caused water levels in Kalu, Kelani, Gin, Nilwala, Attanagalu Oya rivers resulting in flooding in several low lying areas. By Today (26th Friday, 1200hrs) around 7856 people belonging to 2811 families are affected in seven districts. So far 25 fatalities and 42 missing persons are reported.

The weather forecast issued by the Meteorology Department at noon today (26th May 2017) states that, as the South-West monsoon condition has established over the country showery and windy condition are expected to continue over the South-Western parts of the country. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western Provinces. Heavy rain fall (about 150 mm) can be expected at some places. Showers or thundershowers are also predicted in the Eastern and Uva provinces as well. Fairly strong winds are also expected over island.

Due to an active cloudiness to the North-East of Sri Lanka in the Bay of Bengal, very strong winds (up to 80kmph) and very rough seas can be expected at times in the shallow and deep sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Batticaloa via Trincomalee. Other sea areas can also be very rough at times as winds can reach up to 60-70 kmph at times.

Emergency contact numbers Disaster Management Centre

Disaster emergency hotline - 117

Gen.: 011 2136136

EOC: 011 2136222

         011 2670002

Fax:  011 2670079

Contact numbers of the District Secretariats and District Secretaries,

Ratnapura District - 0452222235 / 0714423760

Kalutara District - 034 2222235 / 0716814813

Galle District - 0912234235 / 0714415377

Matara District - 0412222235 / 0776864397

Hambantota District - 0472256235 / 0714441612

Colombo District - 0112369134 / 0773184910

Gampaha District - 0332222235 / 0773273507

Kegalle District - 0352222235 / 0773633293