Over 574,000 people affected by the severe weather - Minister
May 29, 2017 02:10 pm
Over 574,000 people from 154.000 families have been affected by the severe rains and strong winds, however these numbers could go up within next two days, a government Minister said Monday.
Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena said that over 100,000 people were relocated to some 300 safe locations set up across the country so far.
The Minister said that discussions were underway to decide on the post-flood relief works and steps would be taken to continue relief efforts after dividing flood affected areas to Grama Niladhari Divisions.
“Timely actions have been taken to temporary suspend water supply to flood affected areas. That was a technical decision,” Abeywardena said in Colombo.
He also went on to say despite difficulties, tri forces personnel and rescue teams are engaged in relief efforts to assist the people affected by flash floods.
The Meteorology Department also predicted very strong winds about 80 kmph can be expected over the country today.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western and Central provinces, it said.
