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Sri Lanka

Flash floods in western and southern parts of Sri Lanka: Joint situation report # 3 - IASC & Government of Sri Lanka, 04 Jun 2008

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While rain has temporarily stopped, the number of affected people continues to rise. The DMC reports that on 4 June 2008 at 12.00 an estimated 362,582 individuals (93,095 families) have been affected. Although the exact number of individuals affected in the Galle district is unknown, approximately 40,000 people are estimated to be affected according to the assessment team deployed in the area today 4 June 2008. An increase in the number of affected people in Kalutara, Colombo and Galle has been reported.

The Department of Meteorology forecasted on 03 June at 16:00 hrs that parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Northwestern provinces will continue to experience showers during the next 36 hours. Thundershowers in the Eastern and Uva provinces are also expected in the afternoons or evenings.

Twenty one deaths have been reported (Kalutara District alone reports 12 deaths) including 9 in the water, 8 in landslides, 3 due to electrocution and 1 due to the collapse of a tree. 4 persons are reported missing. 199 houses have been destroyed and 705 partially damaged. 1,423 families are currently in 124 IDP camps in the affected districts.

Joint UN and DMC teams were deployed as planned on 4 June to continue to assess the situation in affected areas. The teams plan to meet up with Hon. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights, in Kalutara on Thursday 5 June. According to the team deployed in Ratnapura water levels are descending but not in all areas. The team deployed in Galle also reports that water levels are steadily receding and that the situation seems to be under control. The team estimates that 40,000 people are affected and most of those displaced are staying with friends and relatives. Both teams have met with the local authorities, agencies and population.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered 188 tons of food to help flood victims in all affected areas. In addition 14 tons of food will be delivered within the next 24 hrs.