SLAF helicopter rescues 6 people trapped after dam breaks
November 9, 2018 09:20 am
A helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has rescued 6 people, who had been trapped as a result of a break in the dam of Alampil Niththakay Tank, Mullaittivu.
Accordingly, the Air Force had deployed an MI 17 helicopter and six airmen, under the instructions of Air Force Commander, for the rescue mission this morning (09).
They have also managed to rescue Air Force personnel, who had been deployed for relief operations in the area, and transport them to safety.
A group of individuals went missing as the dam of the Niththakay Tank in Kumulamunai, Mullaitivu had breached yesterday (08).
Several individuals, who had been engaged in farming activities in the proximity of the tank, and a family of three, were reported missing following the incident.
The villagers stated that all the paddy fields in the area have been inundated as the dam of the tank gave way due to the heavy rainfall and the nearby villages are also at risk of being inundated if the downpours continue in the area.
Niththakay Tank was recently repaired after 35 years with allocated funds of Rs 15 million, however, it collapsed with the adverse weather condition, the villagers complained.
They further said that the tank could drain completely if the collapsed dam is not repaired at the earliest possible.
The water storage capacity of the tank reportedly totals 13 feet.
According to Disaster Management Center (DMC) of Mullaitivu District, a large number of houses in the district have been flooded owing to the prevailing showery condition.
Mullaitivu DMC stated that search operations are being carried out further, along with the Air Force to rescue the missing persons.
