Severe rain affects more than 500,000 Sri Lankans; many areas flooded
26/05/2017 – Colombo, Sri Lanka: Incessant rain during the past 48hrs across Sri Lanka has affected over half a million people in 7 districts. Most affected was the Rathnapura district where over 20,000 people faced flash floods. The Branch Disaster Response Teams (BDRT) has been deployed in Ratnapura and volunteers are currently working with Government Authorities in order to provide the relief needed for people. Volunteers also engaged in certain areas evacuating people and bringing them to safe grounds.
In Galle, Neluwa, Tawalama, Niyagama, Baddegama areas were flooded. Earlier the Irrigation Department released a warning requesting people living near the river banks in key rivers to be vigilant of rising water levels. In most parts they have been requested to evacuate.
Landslide warning also been issued to 4 districts by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO).
UPDATE 2 (1200hrs)
26/05/2017 – Various Locations, Sri Lanka: 13 people are dead and scores injured due to floods and landslides in various parts of Sri Lanka.
The Branch Disaster Response Teams of Sri Lanka Red Cross Branches in Rathnapura, Kalutara, Matara, Galle and Colombo have been deployed to assist people who are stranded by flood waters and to provide.
In Galle 1863 families are reported to be displaced. Severely affected areas are Kadawath Sathara & Habaraduwa. SLRCS Branch is currently engaging with authorities to send boats for rescue efforts and also to provide first aid to people stranded.
