Torrential rain worsens Batticaloa IDPs woes

[TamilNet, Friday, 06 April 2007, 11:30 GMT]
More than 75 temporary sheds sheltering Internally Displaced People (IDP) in interim camps located in Kaluvanchikudy in Batticaloa district have collapsed due to heavy rain continuing for the third day, causing additional hardships, Kaluvanchikudy Regional Secretary said.

54.4 mm rainfall has been recorded in 24 hours at Friday 8:30 a.m in Batticaloa district, according to Colombo Weather Forecasting Centre.

Several temporary in Mankadu, Erivil, Kaluvanchikudy, Thethathivu and Vedar Kudiruppu have collapsed Thursday in the pouring rain.

24000 IDPs have been lodged in 13 interim camps while 13000 of them have sought refuge at the houses of relatives and friends in Kaluvanchikudy region, the Secretary added.

Three families have to share one tent and basic facilities being poor, the IDPs have to face various hardships. Only a hundred tents have been provided by the Government Agent Batticaloa where 700 are required to shelter the IDPs, he said.

NGOs look after the hygienic needs of the IDPs while drinking water is supplied by the respective Divisional Secretariats.

Colombo weather centre forecasts more rain in Batticaloa district in the next few days.