Thousands evacuated in Sri Lanka as major flood alerts issued

By APD Writer Jamila Husain

COLOMBO, May 26 (APD) - Thousands of people living near river banks and the coastal areas were evacuated across Sri Lanka on Friday as hours of heavy rains and strong winds led to floods and landslides.

At least eight people were killed and several others missing when two landslides hit Bulathsinhala, in Sri Lanka's southern Kalutara District on Friday morning with teams rushing to the area to conduct immediate search and rescue missions.

The landslides had been reported from Kosbawaka and Delpawatta, in Kalutara.

Airforce helicopters were dispatched to assist people trapped in their homes and other locations due to rising water levels while the navy and army dispatched boats to search for those missing or trapped.

Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center on Friday issued a major flood and landslide warnings in several areas of the country, following rains which lasted throughout Thursday night.

The sluice gathes of major reserviors were opened due to the rising water levels and the government urged residents living close to the dams to relocate to safer locations.

Landslide warnings had also been issued in six districts - Hambantota, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Galle, Matara and Kalutara, DMC Spokesperson Pradeep Kodippilli said.

Although the exact number of those affected is still unknown, rescue and evacuation missions were ongoing in several areas, he added.

Highways and railway lines in several areas remained inundated hampering transport services while schools across the Sabaragamuwa and Southern Province remained closed on Friday.

The Meteoroglogy Department in its latest weather report warned that while the South-west monsoon conditions were establishing over the country, Showery and windy conditions were expected to continue over the south-western part of the country.

The Department warned that heavy falls (more than 150 mm) could be expected at some places.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)