By Rathindra Kuruwita
Heavy rains and minor floods have wreaked havoc in 12 districts, displacing about 55,780 persons, according to an announcement made by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) on Friday.
The Western Province is the worst-affected area.Security forces have launched rescue and relief operations. The Kalu, Gin, and Nilwala rivers are in spate in some areas.
As a precautionary measure, the flood alert for regions situated along these rivers has been extended by another 24 hours.The Meteorological Department has forecast thundershowers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Wayamba Provinces, as well as in the Kandy and
Nuwara Eliya districts. Meteorologist Janaka Kumara has said there will be a let-up in rains, starting from Saturday.The government along with local authorities and humanitarian organisations, was providing relief to the affected communities, the DMC said.