Defence Secretary Provides Disaster Update: 20,500 Troops Deployed, Focus Shifts to Colombo Flood Threat

The Defence establishment and related agencies held a media briefing at the Tri-Forces Defence Headquarters today (28th) afternoon to provide an update on the national disaster situation.

Air Vice Marshal (Ret.) Sampath Thuyyakontha, the Defence Secretary, confirmed that the Police and Tri-Forces are currently reaching disaster-affected areas to rescue the trapped population.

The Defence Secretary urged the affected public to strictly adhere to the instructions provided by Grama Niladhari (Village Officer) officials and to remain in safe locations. Arrangements are being made to continuously supply essential food items to these individuals.

Military Deployment and Operations

• Army: Army Commander stated that an Operations Room has been established at Army Headquarters to manage all disaster relief. 20,500 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue efforts. The President has assigned the responsibility of food supply to all affected populations to the Tri-Forces. Currently, 4,766 people have been rescued, though difficulty was noted in contacting Divisional Secretaries in some areas.
• Navy: Navy Commander reported that 141 Navy relief teams are currently on standby, with 32 teams deployed. Their primary responsibility includes flood rescues, assisting movement, and rescuing stranded fishermen.
• Air Force: Air Force Commander stated that 6 helicopters have been positioned for relief operations, but adverse weather has been a hindrance. Despite this, 1,600 Air Force personnel are engaged in rescue efforts, primarily in the Badulla and Kandy areas.

Foreign Assistance and Compensation

The Defence Secretary confirmed that the Indian High Commission was consulted regarding the use of aircraft from the Indian Naval Ship for rescue efforts, but prevailing poor weather is making it difficult for those aircraft to take off.

Compensation: It was noted that 42 houses have been completely destroyed and 2,810 houses have been partially damaged. A sum of Rs. 25 Lakh (Rs. 2.5 million) is scheduled to be provided for each fully destroyed house. 44,192 families across 285 Divisional Secretariat divisions have been affected across 25 districts.

The Imminent Colombo Flood Threat

Eng. Ajith Gunasekara, Director General of the Department of Irrigation, delivered a grim warning:

• Reservoir Status: Over 50 large-scale and 50 medium-scale reservoirs are currently spilling.
• Kelani River Warning: Based on water gauges at Avissawella, a flood condition worse than the 2016 disaster is anticipated for Colombo by tomorrow (29th) night. The water level of the Kelani River is continuously rising.

Cyclone Update

Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, provided the weather update:

• The cyclone is currently located 40 km inland from Trincomalee.
• Rainfall will persist, with heavy rain expected in the Northern, North Central, North Western, Western, and Sabaragamuwa provinces.
• Galle and Matara may receive about 150 mm of rain.
• Winds of 60-70 km/h or up to 80 km/h are possible due to the cyclone.
• Sea waves may rise 2-3 meters, but the cyclone’s impact on the Southern Province is expected to lessen tomorrow.

Director General of the DMC reiterated: Saving lives is the priority; residents must evacuate immediately after warnings are issued, noting that police had to be deployed in some areas to enforce evacuations. (NewsCenter)