Unprecedented rain in the north

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 06 January 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Floods in the Vanni have brought water levels in the reservoirs to spill level and disrupted transport in the area, said officials of the Department of Irrigation in Vavuniya.

At Iranamadu Kulam (reservoir) five kilometers from Killinochchi, water levels rose by 31.5 feet compelling eight spill gates of the reservoir to be opened. This has affected transport on roads running to Mannar, Mullaitivu and Killinochchi.

Meanwhile, At Muththaiyankattu kulam, in the Mullaitivu District, water levels rose by 20.5 feet and the water in Akkarayan Kulam reached spill level for the first time in three years.

Unprecedented rain in the north which resumed after a brief lull has again caused havoc in several parts of the Vanni.

The areas through which relief supply lorries have to wind their way through jungle have been inundated by the waters of several smaller reservoirs which have burst their dikes.

The Lorry Owner's Association in the Vanni issues a press release yesterday stating the difficulties caused by the heavy monsoons. A relief supply shortage is expected if the floods continue they said.