PM vows to clear area in Meethotamulla on priority
April 19, 2017 04:16 pm
The death toll from the collapse of a giant open garbage dump reached 32 today with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe promising to clear the area as soon as possible.
Wickremesinghe, who cut short his state visit to Vietnam and returned last night, today visited the site and promised a house to each of the affected families in the disaster.
At least seven children were among the dead. Some still remain untraceable after the mishap, officials said.
After the explosion in the 23-million-tonne garbage mound, the air force was deployed to douse the flames. Nearly 1,000 military security personnel, including police and special task forces, have been deployed for rescue operation.
The tragedy has displaced nearly 200 families numbering more than 1500. Nearly 80 houses were completely destroyed while many more suffered partial damage, according to the Disaster Management Centre.
-PTI
-Agencies
