Sri Lanka floods displace over 16,000, kill 8

[News_Editor]

Sri Lanka floods displace over 16,000, kill 8

2011-05-29 20:47:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (BNO NEWS) -- At least 8 people have died and more than 16,000 have been affected by floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) reported on Sunday.

According to the latest figures released by the DMC, 16,956 in 4,609 families in Kegalle, Galle, Kalutara, Colombo, Gampaha, Kurunegala, and Ratnapura districts have been affected by heavy rains and floods. In addition, rising water levels of Kelani River, one of the country's major rivers, have displaced 67 persons of 15 families, the Colombo Page reported.

"Preparedness allocations are already with respective Government Agents and they have made all the arrangements with the help of NGO's and other local volunteers to provide cooked meals to those who have been affected by floods," the DMC Assistant Director Kodippilly said.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department warned of more thundershowers in the western and southern provinces of the country. The department advised the public to take the necessary precautions from lightning which may occur during these thunder showers.

Sri Lanka have been experiencing heavy showers for the past months. Last month, at least four people were reportedly killed and more than 21,000 were affected due to heavy rain and floods.

In early February, at least 14 people were killed and over 1 million affected by the flooding that inundated homes, roads, and agricultural lands. The flooding came less than one month after 43 people were killed and over 300,000 left homeless during January's floods.

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