26 March 2021 12:08 am
By Lasantha Niroshan
The Ratnapura District Disaster Management Committee met on Tuesday (22) to take precautions against any possible disastrous situation which may arise during floods and to provide relief to the people.
District Secretary Malani Lokupothagama said that all new buildings including those of government institutions and residential houses would be subject to inspection and recommendations of Local Authorities and the National Building and Research Organisation.
She said several buildings affected by natural disasters in the previous years had
been constructed without recommendations of the relevant authorities.
“ The Ratnapura district faces a flood threat every year. The death toll in the disastrous situation in 2017 claimed 201 lives. The bodies of only 86 victims could be recovered. Minor flood threats occurred in 2018 , 2019 and 2020. Heavy rain fall is already being experienced in the district. With this in view steps would be taken to work out an effective disaster management plan with the assistance of all government institutions in the district” She said.
The Chairmen of several Pradeshiya Sabha’s, Addl District Secretary S.B.Odovita, G.D.L Udayakumari , Asst .Director (Disaster Management) Muditha Manjula, and divisional secretaries were present.