Batticaloa, Ampaa'rai heading for second flood disaster

[TamilNet, Thursday, 03 February 2011, 09:39 GMT]
The districts of Batticaloa and Ampaarai have been affected by second natural disaster within two months, with lashing torrential rains and floods since last week. The overflowing water from irrigation tanks has entered villages in the two districts and normalcy has been badly affected. The body of a woman washed away by flood was recovered Wednesday afternoon at Lahugala in Ampaa'rai district. Her father was also reported disappeared in the flood. Fifteen others were rescued, sources said. Flood affected people are forced to undergo tremendous hardships due to lack of food and other facilities as the civil authority had failed to provide relief promised for the previous natural calamity that took place last month.

Senanayaka Samudra, the largest tank in the Ampaa'rai district has reached its spill level for the first time in the last sixteen years.

Spill gates of Unnichchai, Rookam and Navakkiri in the Batticaloa district were opened Wednesday.

Irrigation Department authorities have warned villagers to be cautious regarding overflowing water.

Schools in Ampaa'rai district are closed by noon Wednesday. Offices of the public and private sectors were also closed. Public transport to and from Batticaloa and Colombo road via Mannampiddi has come to halt as the Mannampiddi bridge is under the flood water.