Tri-forces troops step up rescue and relief efforts
May 26, 2017 05:05 pm
A large number of 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.
According to Army media sources about 800 army personnel along with navy rescue teams and air force reconnaissance teams are presently working in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and relevant District Secretariats.
Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) says that seven aircraft including two MI24 helicopters, three Bell 212 helicopters, a Bell 412 helicopter and a B200 beach craft have been dispatched to assist rescue and relief operations.
Promptly responding to the contingency situation, the Navy at present has deployed over 26 relief, search and rescue teams comprising 160 naval personnel along with 26 relief boats.
Accordingly, the naval rescue teams are deployed in Kamburupitiya, Neluwa, Imaduwa, Wnanduramba, Pitabeddara, Akuressa, Mathara, Deiyandara, Henakaduwa, Hungama, Padukka, Hanwella, Mathugama, Puwakpitiya, Bulathsinhala, Baduraliya, Kalawana, Udugama and Pitigala to undertake rescue operations assisting the public battered by the rains and floods.
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 12 noon today (26) around 7856 people belonging to 2811 families are affected in seven districts. So far 25 fatalities and 42 missing persons are reported.
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
