Families in danger zones in N'Eliya given temporary shelter

For the 40 odd families in a shanty area this is not the first time, but the question is will they ever get a safer permanent abode

People living in areas identified as danger zones in the Nuwara Eliya District have been relocated to safer areas due to the continuing adverse weather conditions, a Disaster Management Department official said.

Accordingly, around 600 families comprising about 2600 people have been given temporary shelter in several camps. These include around 150 families in six camps in the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha area; 86 families in six camps in Kotmale; 320 families in a camp in Ambagamuwa, 26 families in a camp in Hanguranketa, and 43 families in two camps in Walapane.

Some people have sought refuge with their relatives, in temples, Hindu kovils and in community centres.

The official said arrangements have been made by respective Divisional Secretaries and Grama Niladharis to distribute dry rations and look into sanitary facilities of those housed in these camps.

Meanwhile another 42 families living in a shanty area, Single Tree Village, near Unique View, Nuwara Eliya have been temporarily relocated to the Nuwar Eliya indoor stadium, due to a landslide threat in the area.

R. Steven, a resident of the area said this was not the first time that families were relocated.

However the authorities have not taken steps to find a safer area for these people on a permanent basis due to non-availability of suitable land, the Sunday Times learns.

These families have been living in the area since the '90s although the area had been ear marked as vulnerable to landslides by the NBRO.

A majority of the residents are day labourers and they need government assistance to relocate.

Officials inspecting the site had observed cracks on the floors of the houses which had been covered by polythene by the owners.