DMC initiates programme to mitigate calamities
May 24, 2021Maj. Gen. Sudantha Ranasinghe (retired), Director of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), said that a programme had been initiated at the district level to securely relocate persons who are under quarantine or living in disaster prone locations.
He also advised the public to contact the DMC on the emergency No. 117 if they have any question about the evacuations that were taking place.
Speaking to the media Ranasinghe stated that they were keeping a careful eye on potential calamities that could occur owing to the inclement weather.
The required equipment for emergency response and search and rescue operations have already been deployed by the Armed Forces.
Officials in every district have been sent instructions on how to deal with the situation amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DMC also stated that the required improvements have been made to follow the early warning system in the event of an emergency, and that the public should take urgent action to protect lives and property in the event of floods, landslides, strong winds, and rising sea levels owing to possible heavy rainfall due to the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.
Meanwhile, the DMC warned home owners of potential hazards such as riverine or flash floods, severe winds, coastal flooding, mud flows and human and livestock casualties.
Kolonnawa, Kaduwela and Colombo in the Colombo District, Nagoda, Neluwa, Thawalama, Welivitiya-Divithura in the Galle District, Biyagama, Kelaniya, Wattala in the Gampaha District, Bulathsinghala, Madurawala, Walallavita, Palindanuwara, Millaniya in the Kalutara District, Dehiovita and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle District, Matara Four Gravets, Kamuburupitiya, Akuressa, Athuraliya, Malimbada in the Matara District, Ratnapura Town, Kiriella, Ayagama, Elapatha, Kuruwita and Kalawana in the Ratnapura District and Chilaw, Nattandiya and Puttalam in the Puttalam District have been identified as high risk areas for flooding. (Ceylon Today)