88 houses damaged by strong winds

Colombo (News 1st) - Gale winds experienced on Wednesday (August 15) caused serious damages to houses and property across several areas in the island. 07 Grama Seva divisions including Algama and Udgama in the Virambugedara Divisional Secretariat area in Kurunegala were the worst affected due to the gale force winds. It is reported that 08 houses were seriously damaged by the strong winds. Around 88 houses were partially damaged. Gale winds were experienced in the Hevahinna area in Eheliyagoda resulted in serious damages to more than 40 houses. Several houses in lower Maskeliya were damaged following the collapse of earth embankments. As a result of this 06 families living in the lower Maskeliya area were evacuated to safety. On Wednesday vehicular movement along the Hatton - Colombo main road came to standstill in the Watawala area following the collapse of an earth embankment. A similar incident took place in Saint Claire which impacted vehicular movement along the Hatton - Kandy main road. The water level of the Mahaweli River had risen considerably following the rainfall experienced in the central hills for the past 04 days. Taking this situation into account, 02 spill gates of the Polgolla Reservoir have been opened. The Mahaweli Engineers Office requests the locals living on both sides of the Mahaweli River below the reservoir to remain vigilant.