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11 dead, 7,000 people affected by severe weather conditions: DMC

The death toll from the adverse weather conditions has risen to 11, including five deaths reported from the Rambukkana area in Kegalle district, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippili said.

He said more than 7,000 people had been affected and more than 796 houses were partially damaged.

"The total death toll was reported since October 27. All five deaths in Rambukkana were reported during the past 24 hours," he said.

"Jaffna (243mm), Kurunegala, and Puttalam districts received the most rain in the last few hours. Roads in the above areas were flooded, and the worst situation was reported in Kalutara and Kegalla," Mr. Kodippili said.

"There is an increase in water levels in several major rivers. According to the Irrigation Department, a red notice was issued regarding the situation in the Maha Oya. There is a rapid increase in the water levels in the Attanagalu Oya, Kelani, and Kalu rivers. Furthermore, it was reported that there was an increase in water levels in the Nilwala and Gin rivers," he said.

Meanwhile, several spill gates were open in reservoirs, including the Victoria, Lakshapana, Rajanganaya, Thabbowa and Mahawilachchiya, he said.

People who live in the irrigation areas' downstream areas were asked to be cautious.

Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Office of the Northern Province said many people in the north have also been affected by the adverse weather conditions.

Many roads in Jaffna have been inundated due to heavy rainfall of over 200 mm in the last 24 hours in the Jaffna district.

Jaffna and Mannar were the worst affected by the heavy rains in the north. (Daily Mirror)