Inclement weather kills one; more than 5000 affected

COLOMBO (News1st): A 76-year-old person has died after an earth embankment collapsed on him in Gampola. The Disaster Management Centre said that 5777 people across 6 districts have been affected by the inclement weather. The South West Monsoons brought heavy showers to many areas in the island both last night and this morning. Minor Floods were reported in the Rathnapura town and surrounding areas triggered by showers last night. Flow of traffic was affected in the Rathnapura town after roads were inundated. Approximately 450 houses in Godigamuwa in Rathnapura were inundated. Families in the area were evacuated to safe locations. According to our correspondent, the water level of the Kalu river had risen rapidly and is now reaching flood levels. Strong winds that swept across Ahaliyagoda along with the heavy showers had damaged a number of houses. Ten houses in Seethawaka Awissawella were flooded. Strong winds in Madampae Chilaw this morning had damaged houses in the area. A large Iron Banyan tree along the Colombo Irrattekulama had been uprooted by the strong winds. A nearby hotel was also damaged. The Bulathsinala Molkawa road was inundated in Paragoda after the spill gates of the Kukuleganga reservoir were opened. A house in Kudagama Hatton was completely destroyed after an earth embankment collapsed on it. Three spill gates of the Upper Kothmale reservoir have been opened due to the heavy showers. The water levels of St. Claire and Devon falls have also increased. The Hatton Colombo main road was closed after an earth embankment collapsed and blocked the road. Many low lying areas and roads in Hinuduma were also flooded. The flow of traffic was hampered after the Udagama Neluwa main road was inundated at Mahabodhiwatta. Many fishermen in Trincomalee did not go out to sea due to the inclement weather in the area. A landslide occurred in Yatiberiya, Kithulgala Yatiyanthota. The landslide had completely blocked the Hatton Colombo main road. According to our correspondent, 3 families at risk in the area were relocated to safe shelters. The Minister of Energy said that damages caused to power lines due to the inclement weather had cut off the supply of power to about 85,000 consumers. Strong winds last night in Egodauyana Moratuwa had damaged the roof of a petrol station and a house in the area. Power lines were also damaged by trees were uprooted by the strong winds.