Thousands of Army troops, on the instructions of the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, have rushed to the rescue of flood-affected civilians in Colombo, Kolonnawa, Sapugaskanda, Ratmalana, Piliyandala, Bokundera, Borella, Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara, Kelaniya, Mahabage, Beddagana, Pepiliyana, Elpitiya, Mattakkuliya, Maligawatta, Thotalanga, Pettah, Kirulapona, Bloemendhal Road and Parliament area, as receding flood levels were rising in above locations by noon on Thursday (11).
Army troops with their high platform vehicles, armoured cars, unicorns, trucks, earth moving machinery and other equipment at the time this report was pasted, were busy clearing clogged culverts, waterways and drains, clearing fallen trees and branches, supplying of cooked meals, evacuating of victims to the nearest public places and conducting all other essential services after Colombo recorded the highest rainfall in 18 years.
In Colombo and outskirts, about 1800 Army troops under Security Forces Headquarters, South, Overall Operations Colombo Command and 112 Brigade, after liaising with government authorities and members of the Navy and Air Force and other voluntary organizations, are engaged in relief work as rains continued in some areas causing further havoc.
According to Army estimates, Kolonnawa and Sapugaskanda area remain the worst- affected with more than 700 civilians displaced. Army troops have provided cooked meals and directed them to have alternative sheltering in public buildings on the instructions of respective civil authorities until weather turns better. All these Army deployments have been coordinated by the Army Directorate of Operations in close coordination with the Security Forces Headquarters, South and the Overall Operations Colombo Command.
Sri Lanka Army also appeals to the public to call 0773957739 in case they need any flood relief assistance.
Meanwhile, Navy troops with trawlers have been deployed in Colombo areas to assist flood-stricken civilians, according to the Navy. Similarly, Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopters are conducting disaster assessment and relief missions on Colombo-Kandy road, Panadura and Kalutara.
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