The Hindu : Indian Navy helping Sri Lanka in flood relief

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 19, 2003

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Indian Navy helping Sri Lanka in flood relief

By V.S. Sambandan

COLOMBO MAY 18. With several areas of south central Sri Lanka submerged by floods, the Indian Navy today stepped in to supplement relief operations with an offshore patrol vessel, INS Sujata, and eight dinghies.

At least 140 persons were killed and an estimated 3.5 lakh displaced with several rivers in south-central Sri Lanka in spate in the floods termed by officials as the worst since 1947.

Of the 3.5 lakh displaced, at least 1.5 lakh were from the gem-district of Ratnapura.

The other districts affected by floods are Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Kalutrara.

With the island's navy's sparse flood relief resources, the Sri Lankan Government made the request to Indian authorities earlier today, following which "a prompt decision" was taken to send the OPV with eight dinghies from Kochi to the southern Sri Lankan port, Galle.

A team of relief personnel are also on board the OPV to support the authorities.

"We are meeting the immediate requirements of the stranded. The OPV will be on standby for further assistance as and when required'', an Indian High Commission official told The Hindu.

The Ratnapura district is home to several thousands of Tamils of Indian origin, who form the backbone of the island's plantation economy.

The southern Hambantota district is among the least developed in the island and is a drought-prone area.

Sri Lankan Defence authorities have already stepped in with evacuation and relief operations.

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