Authorities fail to provide proper facilities for Colombo flood victims

COLOMBO (News 1st): Several areas in Colombo have been inundated as a result of the continuous heavy showers. Among the worst areas in Colombo are Wanathamulla, Meethotamulla and Wellampitya. A majority of the residents in these areas are members of low-income earning families. Recent reports by News 1st revealed how 496 families in the area have been affected by the heavy downpour. Today (October 8), Gammadda launched a field survey to find a scientific solution to the problems faced by these people, before the lapse of 12 hours after it was initially reported. The team was accompanied by students of the Department of Town & Country Planning at the University of Moratuwa Though people who are affected have been relocated, they do not have the proper facilities at these locations. Why do these areas get inundated even after a small rainfall? "All the votes here are for the UNP. They give us plain tea and bun and they deceive these people. Don't do that. It's a sin." said one resident. The Halgahawatta area gets inundated whenever the Heen Ela overflows. Garbage is being disposed into this canal that flows down to the Kelani river through Orugodawatta. This makes the area flood three times each year. People living in this area, especially the children, are constantly taken ill. People who are affected by the adverse weather this time around are housed at the M.M Perera Community Hall. Members of the 496 families say that, if they are allocated houses at a safe location, they are ready to leave. These people, with several children among them, had not received their lunch even at 4 pm this evening. The research by Gammadda & students of Moratuwa University will continue tomorrow (October 9).