Cyclone ‘Burevi’: All preparations to face any disaster situation | Daily News

Cyclone ‘Burevi’: All preparations to face any disaster situation

Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa assured that all preparations have been made to face any disaster situation caused by the ‘Burevi’ cyclone.

Making a special speech in Parliament yesterday, he said according to an announcement issued by the Meteorological Department on November 27, the Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Mannar and Puttalam districts could be affected by the cyclone.

He noted that warnings had been issued for the above mentioned districts and the officials are prepared at district level to notify the public of any further warnings.

He said that the fishing and other communities had been warned to refrain from setting out to sea and on securing their boats and fishing gear as the sea could get rough. The Minister said that all steps are in place to provide assistance to any affected area and all infrastructure facilities would be restored within 24 hours in the affected areas and that all institutions under the Disaster Management Ministry are on alert to respond to any situation.

Minister Rajapaksa also said that Rs.One million had been provided to the District Secretaries for the supply of food and other essentials to those affected by the cyclone and the circulars pertaining to additional funds and compensation for those affected have also been sent to the relevant Divisional and District Secretaries.

He also noted that special attention has been given to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the centres established for those affected by the cyclone and constant monitoring and educating on the required hygiene practices would also be carried out.

The Police and Security Forces have been placed on alert to respond to any search and rescue operation or to assist those affected while the 117 disaster response hotline will be operational around the clock to assist those affected.