Tornado damages school, dozens of houses in Wariyapola

By Pushpa Weerasekera

Wariyapola, April 22 (Daily Mirror) - A tornado that struck Wariyapola last night caused extensive damage to property, including a two-story building at Sri Gnanodaya National School, officials said.

Three trees were uprooted and fell onto the upper floor of the school building, completely destroying its roof.

The severe weather also impacted residential areas, with around 40 houses sustaining damage in nearby villages. Of these, 20 homes in Pinwatta and several others along Sumangala Mawatha were affected by fallen trees and partially or fully blown-off roofs.

Officials visited the affected areas today to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. Among those present were the Northwestern Provincial Education Secretary, the Wariyapola Divisional Secretary, the Northwestern Provincial Education Director, a representative of the District Disaster Management Unit, and an Army sub-unit officer stationed in Wariyapola.

Authorities said further assessments are ongoing, and steps are being taken to assist affected families and restore damaged infrastructure.