Rains play havoc in South

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Due to incessant rains last week, several areas in the Southern Province have been inundated, making many main highways impassable. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid any calamity, Police Media Spokesman, SP Prishantha Jayakody told the Sunday Observer.

The sluice gates of the Lunugamwehera and Weerawila tanks have been opened as they have reached spill level. The opening of the sluice gates has resulted in the Kirindi Oya overflowing, submerging areas around the estuary and displacing around 100 families. The families have now sought shelter in neighbours' homes. Traffic on the stretch of road from Tissamaharama - Debarawewa - Pannagamuwa has come to a standstill as a result of the road being inundated. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes such as the Bundala-Kirinda Road, SSP Tangalle Police Division said.

Due to torrential rains in Mawarella, several canals in Makadora, Baragama and Henewilla had overflown, resulting in the death of a 40-year-old woman named G.S. Leelawathie. Her body was recovered and removed to the Andapanne Hospital mortuary for an autopsy.

According to the National Disaster Management Centre, 3985 persons (830) families) in the Hambantota district have been affected by the heavy rains of December 2.

The areas affected include Lunugamwehera and Tissamaharama. The affected persons have been evacuated to community centres, temples and schools.