Floods in Ampara: over 40,000 families affected

Heavy rain since Saturday night in Ampara district has flooded Pothuvil, Thirukkovil, Aalayadivempu, Akkaraipattu, Addalaichchenai and Sainthamaruthu areas, forcing many residents to seek shelter in places of worship, schools and public buildings, sources in Ampara said.
Many still remain in their houses though flood water had seeped into their dwellings. Ampara District Secretariat authorities said details of the affected families are being collected through the Regional Secretariats and the Village Officers (Grama Sevakas) in the flooded areas, and relief work will commence soon.
Majority of the people affected in Ampara district are Muslims and Tamils.
Transport and travel in Ampara district are badly affected due to roads being submerged in rushing floods.