The access roads to Neluwa, Thawalama, and Udugama areas are submerged in water and the helicopters have to be used to rescue the people in those areas, he added.

Currently, water levels in Neluwa and Thawalama area over 25 feet and residents in the low-lying areas around ‘Ging Ganga’ (Yakkalamulla, Baddegama, and Udugama) are advised to be on alert as water will flow to these areas during the next few hours, said the District Director of Irrigation Deepika Witharana.

Meanwhile, the Galle Disaster Management Unit said that it has become difficult to get the information of victimized people due to the breakdown of electricity and telephone lines. The relief operations are being carried out by Tri-Force while the Navy has launched a special boat service.

Chief Minister of Southern Province Shan Wijeyalal De Silva, Minister Chandima Weerakkodi, and MP Bandulal Bandarigoda were also present.