Armed Forces flood relief teams in full swing
October 15, 2024Tri forces rescue and relief teams are in full swing in flood affected areas in parts of the country. Widespread showers in several regions of the country have caused floods and minor landslides, leading to the displacement of communities in some places. Armed forces relief teams are working in coordination with Disaster Management Authorities.
According to Army media sources, the Sri Lanka Army has deployed relief teams to the Malwana, Katugoda, Watareka, Seethawaka, Meethotamulla, Kollonnawa, Nawagamuwa, Pelawatta, and Yatadolawatta areas for flood relief work. The Army has also deployed its Ironhorse and Unibuffel trucks and boats for relief work.
In addition, the Army has placed 23 WMZ vehicles, 34 Unibuffels and Unicorn vehicles, and 56 boats on standby, along with 6,500 troops prepared to respond to emergencies in the Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Mathara, Rathnapura, Hambantota, Gampaha, and Puttalam districts.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy has deployed eight flood relief teams to areas in the Gampaha, Colombo, and Puttalam districts. Navy personnel are also deployed for flood relief work in Kaduwela, Mabima, Nawagamuwa, Ihalagama, Ja-ela, and Naththandiya, SLN media sources say. The Navy has 48 relief teams on standby in its Western, Southern, and Northwestern Naval Commands, ready for deployment when required.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) coordinates the relief services in collaboration with the government officials in all the districts affected by the disaster.
Affected communities are being assisted to reach safe locations, and are provided with cooked food and dry rations.
