http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Army_and_Navy_conducting_combined_rescue_operations_20130215_05

Army and Navy conduct combined rescue operations

Following the torrential rain falls in the Batticaloa District and the resulting rise in the water level of the 'Kiran Lagoon' civilians there are experiencing immense hardship in carrying out their day to day activities. Due to the continuous flooding road movement has been greatly restricted and relief activities have also been hampered. People in low lying areas are the most affected.

The Army and the Navy together have launched a boat service to assist the people in distress.

The prevailing inclement weather, strong winds and rough seas in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country has caused much damage to properties and has severely affected the livelihood of the people. Weather advisories were regularly released informing of weather and sea conditions for the people, especially to the fishing community in the region as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, the sluice gates of Parakrama Samudraya, Kaudulla, Maduru Oya and Kantale reservoirs were opened as they have reached spill level. According to the Disaster Management Centre, one death due to a person drowning has been reported from the Nuwara Eliya District. Navy troops are on stand by to provide relief assistance, said Navy Spoke person Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya.

Despite the danger and risks involved, the security forces are continuing their rescue operations with the assistance of government authorities to save lives and to provide relief assistance to the people affected by the floods, utilizing its assets, skills and expertise.