Over 3,000 affected by flash floods in Sri Lanka, Red Cross sends disaster response teams

Mon, Jun 2, 2014, 01:16 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
June 02, Colombo: Sri Lanka Red Cross said it has mobilized Branch Disaster Response Teams (BDRT) and First Aid teams to assist and aid the people affected by the flash floods due to heavy rains lashed the country in the last 24 hours.
According to Red Cross over 3000 people are affected in Kalutara, Colombo and Gampaha districts with 9 reported dead and 3 missing.
According to latest details, Agalawatta and Palawatta areas in Kalutara have been submerged due to floods and Sri Lanka Air Force has reportedly sent Bell 212 helicopters to rescue the people stranded by the floods.
The Red Cross said its Branch Disaster Response Teams will now asses the situations in the affected region and then coordinate the required support and assistance with the Government and Disaster Management Centre.
The Red Cross said it currently holds the required relief items to support the affected in its warehouses, and will takes necessary steps if required more.
President of Sri Lanka Red Cross Jagath Abeysinghe has said that they are doing everything possible to ensure that people affected are taken care of and that the necessary support is provided.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and other Red Cross organizations are standing by to assist if the situation worsens, the organization said.
Meanwhile the Meteorology Department has predicted more heavy rain.