13th November 2023 20:30:53 Hours
Troops of the 8 Gemunu Watch (GW) of the 611 Infantry Brigade of the 61 Infantry Division under command to the Security Force Headquarters - West are currently engaged in search operations in the landslide-affected Udawela, Horankaduru area in Balangoda, together with Disaster Management Centre teams and volunteers.
Reports claimed that a house with its four occupants, including two children were buried alive after torrential rains caused a major landslide at the location as dusk fell on Sunday (12 November).
In response to the SOS situation, troops swiftly moved to the scene and began rescue and clearing operations with the intention of tracing those four victims who had gone missing in the earth after the landslide struck the location. The Commanding Officer, 8 GW and his troops are still continuing their search operations.
Commander, Security Forces - West, General Officer Commanding, 61 Infantry Division and Brigade Commander of the 611 Infantry Brigade are closely supervising emergency developments at the time this report was pasted.
