Supporting survivors of landslide in the hill country

26/09/2015 – Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka: At least seven people were killed and over 180 others affected as torrential rains triggered landslides in Sri Lanka’s central hill area.

Several houses were swept away in the landslides after heavy rains lashed central Nuwara Eliya district’s Kotmale area on Friday.

A two-year-old child was among seven people killed in the mudslides. Over 180 people displaced by the landslide have been accommodated temporarily at the Ramboda Hindu College.

Immediately after the disaster the Sri Lanka Red Cross Nuwara Eliya Branch deployed first aid trained volunteers to assist the survivors. Later on officials of the branch took steps to provide non food relief items to the survivors. Children were provided with milk food items as well.

On request of the Divisional Secretary of Kothamale, Mr.I.M Senanayake, officials of the branch facilitated developing camp management plan in consultation Grama Niladhari, District Disaster Management Centre representatives and other relevant parties.

SLRCS volunteers and staff are at the displaced center supporting the affected people in close coordination with  local authorities.

Meanwhile torrential rains continue to pound the island with over 100mm of rainfall during the 24 hours ended on the 26th of September 2015. More rains have been forecast by the Meteorological Department of Sri Lanka. Earlier during the day the National Building Research Organization put several districts of landslide watch due to the inclement weather conditions. People living in Badulla, Kegalla, Rathnapura, Kalutara, Galle, Matara & Hambantota districts were cautioned to be on alert for possible landslides.