COLOMBO (News 1st) – The number of houses damaged by strong winds in Ampara has risen to 217 and 3 houses have been destroyed. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Sulakshana Jayawardena, said the winds have resulted in the disruption of electricity to an estimated 5000 homes and efforts are underway to restore the supply of electricity.

Ampara District Secretary Thusitha P.Wanigasinghe said houses in Nawagampura, Saddathissapura, Jayawardenapura, and Karangawa have been affected by strong winds.

Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre Pradeep Kodippili said compensation of Rs. 10,000 will be paid to those affected by the winds.

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