Floods subside in Jaffna [November 29 2008]

Heavy floods that affected the Jaffna peninsula last week have started subsiding. Sea transport that was suspended due to the adverse weather conditions is expected to recede on Sunday. According to official reports, 118,273 people belonging to 32,026 families have been displaced due to floods. The worst affected DS divisions are Jaffna, Uduvil, Delft, Kopay and Karaveddi.

"To provide immediate relief services Rs 11m. has been allocated. The Ministry is ready to provide further assistance if required," said, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.

The Sri Lanka Army on the instructions of Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, continues to provide assistance to those affected. As the floods are subsiding the Road Development Authority with the assistance of the Army has started repairing the Pannai coastway that connects Kayts Islands with the mainland. Meanwhile, a boat service is being operated to transport people between the islands and the mainland.