Thousands affected by floods in East
by Mohammed NAALIR
Over 10,000 people in the Eastern Province have been severely
affected due to the North and East Monsoon in the region.
According to sources several low lying areas in the Province have
gone under water. As the roads in Kalmunai, Kalmunaikudi, Maruthamunai
and Sainthamaruthu areas have submerged, pedestrians and motorists are
undergoing severe hardship.
Over 7,500 families have been affected in the Oddamawadi Divisional
Secretariat Division.
Many have been displaced in Palachcholai in the Chenkaladi Divisional
Secretariat Division, Batticaloa District Secretary S. Arumainayakam
said.
Sitthandi and Uthayan Moolai in the Chenkaladi Divisional Secretariat
Division have also been affected by the floods.
Pulipaindakal and Thambothi are submerged and boat service is being
operated in these areas.
The displaced families are being provided with cooked food.
Batticaloa Regional Irrigation Director S. Mokanarajah said that the
Wakaneri and Nutham tanks are overflowing.
The water level of the Unnichchai tank has gone up to 29 feet and 10
inches. Three sluice gates of this tank have been opened. The Punanai
anicut is also overflowing.
Transport through the Manampitiya-Colombo route has also been
affected as the road has submerged to three feet in Manampityia.
Families numbering 6,806 comprising 27,272 persons have been affected in
Eravur Pattu, Chenkaladi Divisional Secretariat Division. 527 families
numbering 2,677 persons have been displaced, according to Divisional
Secretary Thetchana Gowry Dinesh.
People from Palachcholai and Chenkaladi-02 village have also been
displaced, according to Assistant Divisional Secretary K. Chithravel.
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