Menik Farm IDPs being evacuated

by P. Krishnaswamy

A plan to evacuate the flood-affected IDPs at welfare villages in Menik Farm, Chettikulam was finalised on Friday after discussions and the process of relocating them at identified safer places will begin shortly, Vavuniya Government Agent Ms. P.S.M. Charles told the Sunday Observer. “The affected families comprised a small percentage of over 300,000 IDPs. The situation is now under control and there is no need to panic about their health hazards,” she said.

The plans were formulated based on observations and surveys conducted by the Army and the UN aid agencies, she added.

A team of members of the Vavuniya Secretariat in coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and UN aid agencies was making arrangements to relocate the affected families in the next few days, she said. Unexpected rains last week caused sudden floods in two newly located welfare camps in low-lying areas, while all contingency plans for monsoonal rains, expected in the first week of October, were already in place, she said.

The welfare villages have already been provided with a well-designed drainage system. Based on survey studies, all projects to provide basic infrastructure, water supply and garbage collection would be completed before the middle of September, GA Charles said.

Steps are also being initiated to send IDPs to their respective districts - other than the landmine-sowed Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts - on getting clearance from the Security Forces. Other categories of IDPs identified for release are: those disabled by birth, the mentally retarded, persons over 60 and those afflicted by chronic diseases, the GA said, adding that such categories of persons will be released provided their families, relatives or friends are willing to take charge of them.

Director Emergency Operations of the Disaster Management Centre, Brig. Weragama said that he visited the sites of the welfare villages to ascertain the soil type and conduct of other studies. A contour map and other details have been obtained with the assistance of the Survey Department and the Land Reclamation Board to introduce measures to prevent flooding which includes mud ponds to filter and release polluted water into Malwathu Oya, drainage and bunding.