Some 70,000 still living in 265 temporary shelters

Some 70,000 people displaced by the rains and floods are living in 265 temporary shelters, Disaster Management Centre Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippili said today.

He said troops had been deployed in clean the water resources and flooded areas so that the displaced could return to their homes as soon as possible.

The DMC said the rains and floods had claimed 24 lives, 12 of whom were from drowning, five people struck by lightning while some others had been trapped under falling trees.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department forecast strong winds over the sea while light rains were forecast in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)