The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) says that 7 districts are currently being monitored for possible landslide situation, where Volunteers and Government Officials are on standby to assist in a possible evacuation.

Red Cross volunteers assisted in evacuating over 1200 people in Nuwara Eliya due to the threat of landslides. They are now housed at 15 evacuation centers in the district and being provided with required non-food relief items and first aid support.

In a statement issued today, SLRCS said it continues to support the people affected by the Koslanda landslide, currently being housed at two temporary camps in Poonagala and Koslanda.

“As of this morning Red Cross volunteers and officials assisting the search and rescue efforts in Coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management and the Military handed over a consignment of baby formula and other relief items, and also safe drinking water bottles. 100 body bags were also handed over to the Military today upon a request by the DM Ministry.”

The SLRCS stated that as of now 03 bodies have been recovered from the debris and an accurate calculation is underway to determined the number of missing.

The landslide destroyed 66 houses in the Meeriyabadda village. A community hall, two milk collection stations, a Hindu Temple (Kovil), two shops and a communication was also destroyed from this disaster.

“Our volunteers and search and rescue teams have been assisting the Government Officials and the Military with the ongoing operation and this will continue until the said operation comes to a halt” says the President of Sri Lanka Red Cross Mr. Jagath Abeysinghe.

“We are also now looking at longer term support for the people affected, specially the children who have become orphans from this tragedy.”

Also in Moneragala several houses has been destroyed due to flash floods. SLRCS is assessing the damage caused and will provide the necessary support in coordination with Government Authorities.