Torrential rains inundate Anuradhapura suburbs

by P. Krishnaswamy and A'pura Central Spl.Cor. B.M. Wijesooriya

Several areas in the Anuradhapura district are inundated due to continuous torrential rains during the past two days, with more than 2,000 families displaced while the spill gates of eleven of the twelve tanks in the district have been opened to release the overflowing water.

Residencies and business premises in the Malwathu Oya electorate, in Perani Pooja city, Malwathu Lane, New Airport Road, Galkulama on the A 9 Road, Karandankulama area, Natchiyaduwa, Eppawala-Kekirawa main Road, Northern railway lines up to Thambuttegama are reported to be under water, according to reports.

Continuing torrential rains have made rescue operations difficult.

The Puttlam-Anuradhapura main road near Rajanganaya is also inundated bringing road transport to a complete halt. Displaced families have been moved to school buildings and Buddhist temples.

In the Salnewa area some families are marooned since roads are under water and police lifeguard teams are engaged in rescue operations. They have alaready rescued 10 marooned families from the Perani Pooja city area.

The Kumbichchankulamawewa tank that had a defective bund is overflowing posing a threat of a breach which will inundate the entire Kumbichchankulamawewa UC area. The UC authorities have closed all houses and business premises and have evacuated families and moved them to safer areas, reports said.