Post-flood operations to continue despite North-East monsoon

People asked not to return to houses until authorities say so    

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Despite the northeast monsoon being just around the corner, post-flood operations, including relief programmes, rescue, evacuation, and rehabilitation activities, will continue uninterrupted, officials stressed.  Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director Pradeep Kodippili said they had been advised to continue the ongoing operations related to the distribution of relief and compensation, albeit in the face of challenges.   

“Although current rescue and evacuation operations have not been affected by the rain, discussions have been held on whether the anticipated showers will begin to interfere with field activities.”  

“However, teams are prepared to respond immediately if conditions deteriorate as officials have been asked to remain vigilant,” he said.  

A stakeholder meeting was also held to assess the situation and determine further action. Participants reviewed current operations and agreed on necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted relief and rehabilitation work.   

This follows the forecast of the Department of Meteorology, which has reported that the north-east monsoon is gradually establishing over Sri Lanka, bringing increased rainfall to several areas.   

According to the department, intermittent showers are expected in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva Provinces, as well as in the Matale and Nuwara Eliya Districts. Showers or thundershowers are likely after 1.00 p.m., particularly across the western half of the island.   

“Moderately heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm may occur in parts of the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, and in the Galle and Matara Districts. Foggy conditions may also prevail during early morning hours in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva Provinces,” it added.   

Meanwhile, Director Kodippili urged the public to avoid visiting disaster-hit areas, warning that such actions pose serious risks.   

He cautioned residents not to bathe or enter waters with strong currents and reminded them to evacuate immediately whenever a red alert is issued.   

As such, the public is encouraged to report urgent issues through the DMC hotline 117.   

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre reported that the death toll from the recent severe weather in Sri Lanka stood at 635 as of last afternoon, while 192 people remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.   

Further, a total of 1,766,103 individuals from 512,123 families have been affected.