Sri Lanka News Updates with Discussions

Flood hit areas receive due support from Govt.
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
Unusual change in weather conditions played havoc in the North Central and Eastern part of Sri Lanka in the last two weeks rendering many homeless and occupants of temporary shelter.

According to the latest statistics received from Deputy Director of Emergency Operations, Ministry of Disaster Management, Mr. Ramya Siriwansa the situation was improving but people were still in need of help and support. Ten Grama Niladhari divisions in the Anuradhapura District were affected by flood in the areas of Kalawewa, Nachchaduwa, and Rajanganaya.

In these areas 1721 families were affected comprising 5877 people. The rains were slowly clearing but to control the rising waters which would have caused havoc the sluices of Kalawewa and Rajanganaya tanks had to be kept open thus reducing the threat to a considerable area in the district. However this meant that water had to be diverted to the low lands of Puttalam. The gushing waters impacted 142 families with 495 individuals. In this area 3437 people are in IDP camps.

In the Polonnaruwa District due to the overflowing of Malwathu Oya and Kala Oya 2519 families comprising 8497 people were affected. The floods caused complete damage to about 190 houses and partially damaged 1219 houses. Twenty four people were directed to Internally Displaced (IDP) camps.

Floods had its largest toll in the East, the Batticoloa district being declared a flood affected area. According to the statistics forwarded by the Government Agents (GAs) or the District Secretaries, 58,963 families comprising 211,008 people are affected. 10,298 families with 40225 members are in 41 IDP camps.

In the North, certain areas of Jaffna have been affected by floods. A total of 3971 families comprising 16,440 have been affected with 2055 houses partially damaged and 65 houses completely damaged. Of the affected, 635 families with 2399 inmates are in five IDP camps.

According to official sources a Government circular entitles the Provincial Secretary to supply and provide for the immediate requirement of the disaster struck people up to a period of three days. He need not wait for approval from the center but could get the expenses reimbursed.

There is no limit to the degree of support so provided. This assistance can be granted in the form of cooked items or dry rations.