Tri-forces troops step up rescue and relief efforts

A large number of tri forces personnel and rescue teams are currently involved in rescue and relief efforts in flood affected areas in Weeraketiya,

Neluwa, Morawaka, Deiyandara, Padukka, Bulathsinhala, Kalawana, Wellampitiya, Palindanuwara and Beliatta areas. 

According to Army media sources about 800 army personnel along with navy rescue teams and air force reconnaissance teams are presently working in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and relevant District Secretariats.

Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) says that seven aircraft including two MI24 helicopters, three Bell 212 helicopters, a Bell 412 helicopter and a B200 beach craft have been dispatched to assist rescue and relief operations. 

 Promptly responding to the contingency situation, the Navy at present has deployed over 26 relief, search and rescue teams comprising 160 naval personnel along with 26 relief boats.  

Accordingly, the naval rescue teams are deployed in Kamburupitiya, Neluwa, Imaduwa, Wnanduramba, Pitabeddara, Akuressa, Mathara, Deiyandara, Henakaduwa, Hungama, Padukka, Hanwella, Mathugama, Puwakpitiya, Bulathsinhala, Baduraliya, Kalawana, Udugama and Pitigala to undertake rescue operations assisting the public battered by the rains and floods.

Torrential rains have caused heavy flooding and landslides in many parts of the country causing damage to lives and property. According to the DMC, heavy rains have caused water levels in Kalu, Kelani, Gin, Nilwala, Attanagalu Oya rivers resulting in flooding in several low lying areas. 

By 12 noon today (26) around 7856 people belonging to 2811 families are affected in seven districts. So far 25 fatalities and 42 missing persons are reported.