Jellyfish: Indefinite bans if issue persits

21 June 2015 02:37 pm - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The coastal belt in Matara including the 'bathers’ paradise' Polhena Beach will be banned indefinitely for all local and foreign tourists if the on-going jellyfish issue persists that left five beach users with infected wounds today.

An official at the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo told the Daily Mirror that necessary instructions had been passed on to law enforcement authorities in Matara to warn and inform the public about the danger.

Since Sunday morning there was a noticeable decline of foreign tourists at the Polhena Beach whereas Police Lifesaving members in numbers were present educating the public to refrain from using the beach.

The Matara District governing body led by its District Secretary, Matara Mayor, members of the Disaster Management Centre, Ocean Scientists as well as senior police officials will discuss today to determine whether to ban the beach area indefinitely until the jellyfish threat is over.

At present the police cannot take any action against people who would bathe irrespective of the warning as there is no directive issued prohibiting the use of the beaches.

Four local adults and a teenage boy of a foreign country were admitted to the Matara Hospital on Saturday with infected wounds all over the body claimed to have been received coming into contact with jellyfish.

They were given immediate treatment and their condition was learnt to be out of danger and were discharged shortly after.

The threat had been caused by a type of jellyfish identified as Physalia Physalis that was found in hundreds either in the water or washed ashore.

According to scientists these creatures that roam in far off seas are believed to have been pulled towards the coast by the strong currents generated due to the rough seas due to the monsoonal season.

An unstoppable itch causing infections leading to wounds on the skin is evident if it comes into contact and subsequently symptoms like tightening of muscles, severe pain, increase heart rate and ultimately death for heart patients. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana and Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)

Pix by Sajeewa Wijeweera

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 5

ANTON Monday, 22 June 2015 07:28 AM

WHY ..... OUR ZOOLOGISTS HAVE NO CAPABILITY TO FIND A SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM,

Yas Monday, 22 June 2015 08:55 AM

This could be some conspiracy issues targeting tourism. National security always need a vigilance.

lkboy Monday, 22 June 2015 09:42 AM

Its not a problem. Its a natural phenomenon.

THETRUTHSZ Monday, 22 June 2015 09:43 AM

This is really horrible decision.firstly Anton its not possible to stop this, why? Because even a developed country like Australia constantly faces this issue, these jelly fish come ashore due to wind.

Prof. S. Gunawickrama, University of Ruhuna Monday, 22 June 2015 01:36 PM

First of all, what is in the figure is not a Jellyfish- it is in the same phylum but a different one. It is called Portugese Man O War (Portugese Man of War), resembling a battleship. The scientific name is Physalia. Several species are there in the tropical ocean waters, floats with wind. So it must have floated to our waters from somewhere. WE cant stop it. Just have to stay away until they disappear.DANGER: IT IS A CARNIVOROUS ANIMAL. It has long tentacles equipped with toxic CELLS, CAN KILL EVEN FISH. So if come into contact, it will cause severe allergies on skin. Do not touch. DO NOT USE Vinegar, it will further damage wound. Use salt water and hot water to ease the pain, and seek medical help. REMEMBER that this is different from Jellyfish venom.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Jellyfish: Indefinite bans if issue persits

Comments - 5

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

Suspicious death of 23-year-old woman at hotel sparks concerns

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

New Visa procedure implemented

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

MIRROR CRICKET

TODAY'S HEADLINES