16 deaths, over 84,000 affected by adverse weather

• Kirindiwela in Gampaha district records highest rainfall at 246.5 mm, with several areas receiving over 200 mm
• Irrigation Department warns on major flooding in Kelani, Nilwala, Gin River and Attanagalu Oya
• State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon announces allocation of Rs. 122 m to District Secretaries for relief efforts
• Sri Lanka Air Force Spokesperson Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe says three helicopters on standby for rescue missions

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed yesterday that the ongoing severe weather conditions have resulted in 16 deaths countrywide, with 84,749 individuals from 21,353 families affected. Adverse weather has impacted 23 of the 25 districts, with landslide warnings have been issued for 10 districts where nearly 15,000 families residing in high-risk areas.  Kirindiwela in the Gampaha district recorded the highest rainfall yesterday at 246.5 mm, with several areas receiving over 200 mm of rain. The Meteorology Department predicts a temporary decrease in the heavy rain conditions in the South-Western part of the country from today (4).

16 deaths...

“Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western

Provinces. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere on the island in the evening or night,” it added.

The Department urged the general public to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused bytemporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Separately, the Department of Irrigation has reported major flooding, particularly in Kalu, Gin and Nilwala river basins. 

Additionally, a section of Gampaha town experienced flooding due to the overflow of the Attanagalu Oya yesterday evening.

Addressing a special media briefing yesterday, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon announced that Rs. 122 million has been allocated to District Secretaries to provide relief to those affected. 

He assured that 119 relief centres across the country are being supplied with cooked meals and sanitary facilities through efforts in collaboration with the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Force.

Sri Lanka Navy Spokesman Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya stated that 40 units, equipped with 39 boats and life jackets, are deployed, with an additional 60 units on standby for emergency operations nationwide.

Sri Lanka Army Spokesman Major General Rasika Kumara noted that 20 units, 17 boats, 25 battalions and 81,000 soldiers are engaged in rescue and disaster management operations countrywide. The Army is also operating six kitchens to prepare meals for those in relief centres.

Sri Lanka Air Force Spokesperson Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe said three helicopters are on standby at Ratmalana, Katukurunda and Koggala for rescue missions, with ongoing aerial observations. In addition, a Bell 412 helicopter on standby at the Neluwa Public Grounds to respond immediately to any disaster calls

First aid teams have also been proactively deployed to assist the public in distress.

The State Minister Tennakoon said combined efforts of the Government and military forces aim to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather and provide essential support to the affected people.