17 Missing
Due to Adverse Weather
Five persons including 4 fishermen died while 17 fishermen are reported missing so far due to adverse wind conditions affecting parts of the island.
Rescue operations are continuing in search of the missing fishermen, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) said.
Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters and naval vessels have been deployed in a joint rescue mission for fishermen caught in stormy weather off the south western coast of the island.
At least 3 bodies of fishermen were washed ashore in the south western coastal areas of Dehiwela and Beruwela and 13 others injured were rescued in the southern coastal area of Balapitiya.
The fishermen are missing since last night as their boats had capsized in strong winds and heavy rains caused by the
activation of the south-west monsoon.
Several fishermen were rescued by an air force helicopter and an aircraft while the Navy divers off three vessels which had been deployed rescued more.
The Met Department has warned of monsoon winds upto 80 kph in the next 24 hours. Angry fishermen also blocked the southern coastal railway track to protest, urging the authorities to launch the rescue mission.
Fishermen community also blame authorities for failing to alert them regarding the weather condition, in order to minimize the casualties.
The Met. Department however says it issued a weather forecast at 3.00 a.m. this mornign advising fishermen and naval communities against venturing out to sea.
Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, speaking to Ada Derana, stated that the Met. Department informed him that they announced the increase in wind and heavy rainfall expected today.
He, however, conceded that there is a shortage of officials at the meteorology department compared to the number of electronic and print media.
