12th November 2021 23:45:32 Hours
Flooding and landslides fueled by the torrential rains over the last two weeks have adversely affected over the island. Simultaneously, Security Forces (West) troops alert to the developing adverse weather patterns across the west area on the directions of Major General Sujeewa Senarathyapa RWP RSP ndu ,the Commander Security Forces (West) have already commenced their evacuation , rescue and relief operations in worst - hit areas including Kurunegala, Galle, Kegalle and Kaluthara districts as per the directions of respective General Officer Commanders of 14 and 61 infantry divisions.
The troops of 14 Infantry Division lead their helping hand to rescue 461 displaced civilians and their valuables due to prevailing inclement weather. In the meantime, 218 displaced civilians have been rescued from Lihiniyagoda, Kandalama, Mirigama, Welihinna and Kotadeniyawa areas in Gampaha District.
Most of the roads in the Puttalam area were flooded due to heavy rains and the Puttalam-Colombo main road was completely submerged by about 3 feet of rain. Troops of the 16 Battalion of Gajaba Regiment arranged the cranes to recover the mechanically disabled vehicles to safety and restore traffic. It is noteworthy that 7 Pakistani nationals among those who were unable to travel, rescued and taken to a safe place. In addition, 236 displaced civilians have been rescued.
Moreover, A newly constructed dam in the Ihalabomariya Grama Niladhari Division in the Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat Division was in danger of bursting due to the threat of floods and 2 (V) battalion Srilanka Light Infantry troops under the 144 Infantry brigade positioned sand bags to protect the dam.
Several places on the Bulathsinhala - Molkawa road were completely blocked due to heavy rains on 07.11.2021 and troops of the 1Srilanka Pioneer Corps at 612 Infantry Brigade Headquarters expedited the provision of essential services and facilities required for the safety measures of civilians to those locations. A house has been damaged due to a landslide belongs to a Senior Non Commission Officer in general area Pitigala and it has been recoverd after clearing debris by the troops of 12 Field engineers Regiment.
Due to bad weather condition house was completely covered by debris following an earth slip in general area Galigamuwa and 3 civilians suspected to have been inside the house and one female has been rescued , father and son were death and recue mission was conducted by troops of 8 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
On 9 November 4 members of a family were injured due to a landslide in general area Rambukkana. After that, they have been hospitalized by the troops of 8 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and thereby seriously damaged mother and two daughters died and father who critically injured has been evacuated. Meanwhile, A dead body was recovered in general area Warakapaola by the troops of 8 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment due to inundation after rowing. 30 workers who were working at Navil Nutri Feed Farm at Mirigama have been rescued by troops of sector 14 due to heavy flood situation.
Troops of the 1 Sri Lanka National Guard of the 143 Brigade under the 14 Division during 9 - 10 November took immediate measures to provide disaster relief to the flood victims, belonging to 50 families in the general areas of Godawela and Goadwelewatta in Polgahawela who remained badly affected due to worsening weather conditions.
Those troops at first rescued stranded victims and moved them out to safer places on Army boats and vehicles before they were provided with cooked meals and other essential facilities.
