Forces rescue flood-hit

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Forces rescue flood-hit

Security Forces and the Police yesterday came to the rescue of people affected by the inclement weather conditions that was experienced in the country, particularly the Colombo district from Wednesday night. Special Army, Navy and Air Force units started relief operations in almost all parts of the Colombo city.
Over 1,000 Security Forces personnel in addition to the Police were deployed for flood relief activities in the Colombo district alone yesterday.
Navy Spokesman Captain Athula Senerath said the Navy has introduced a hotline for the provision of urgent assistance to the people affected by the floods.
He requested the public to contact 0112445368 for assistance.
He said the Navy deployed over 10 teams for flood relief and rescue operations and 10 boats were in operation to rescue the people in the Colombo city limits yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Army introduced the hotline 0773957739 for flood relief assistance. Army Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Madawala yesterday told the Daily News that a large number of people affected by the flood sought Army assistance.
He said the army personnel were engaged in relief operation in the Colombo city and outskirts. Madawala added that people stranded by floods in Obesekerapura area in Colombo were rescued by the army personnel.
He also added that the Army is providing cooked meals to the flood victims with the assistance of Divisional Secretaries in the areas and the Disaster Management Ministry. The Air Force was also involved in rescue operations in the Colombo city and outskirts.
According to a Air Force spokesman Bell 212 helicopters were deployed to heavily flooded areas in the Colombo and Kalutara districts for the rescue mission.
He said that Air Force rescued many people stranded by the floods in Kaduwela, Dehiwala, Kolonnawa and Panadura.
The Police with the coordination of Security Forces personnel and civil society representatives were providing relief services to the flood affected.
Courtesy : Daily News