Sri Lankan government says flood damages stand at US$ 500 million

Jan 14 (CP) Colombo- The Sri Lankan government today said that the initial estimated damage from the floods stands at approximately Rs. 50 billion. The amount was revealed during a discussion on relief measures for the recent flood victims in the country. The meeting was held between External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and the Heads of Mission of member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) based in Colombo. Disaster Management Ministry Secretary, Marina Mohamed speaking of the emergency situation had said that the initial estimated damage from the flood stands at US$ 500 million (Rs. 50 billion).

Streamlined process in place to help flood victims: Govt

The government has put in place a streamlined process to provide all necessary assistance and relief to flood victims in the country.Since the day one of this disaster Rs 138 million has been disbursed among the District Secretaries of the affected districts to provide cooked meals and dry rations. From last Monday to Friday alone Rs 80.4 million has been dispatched to respective District Secretaries to ensure the continuous supply of relief and to meet the immediate
requirements of over one million people affected by the torrential rain and the consequent flood.

On a special directive issued by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa all arrangements are in place to assist the affected people. Financial and provisional needs of the respective districts have been meted out and therefore there is no reason for any shortage in the delivery of relief to victims. The government requests the flood victims or any other people to inform of any shortcomings in any parts of the affected districts to the 24 hour hotline - 0112670002

Some 363,000 people are housed in 599 camps set up in all affected districts. Batticaloa being the worst hit district has 275 camps for displaced people. So far 27 people have been confirmed dead and 49 injured while 12 were missing.

The government has mobilized over 28000 personnel of the Tri services and Police backed by transport helicopters and boats to assist the rescue and relief operation.

The Disaster Management Ministry has also mobilized all its resources in other unaffected districts to affected districts

Prof Ariyarathna Athugala
Director General of Information