Deputy Director of Disaster Management Centre, Pradeep Kodippili said, that the death toll of the Meethotamulla garbage dump collapse has risen to 30 by yesterday evening (17).
Funerals for five were held at a temple near the dump earlier yesterday. In addition, he also stated that the total number of missing individuals has reduced to 11 as they processed identities. The DMC reports, that as of yesterday (17) noon, a total of 980 individuals, of 228 families, have been affected and another 11 have been injured due to this incident. Furthermore DMC has been able to settle 129 people in safe locations.
Temporary shelter is being provided for displaced individuals at Sri Rahula Vidyalaya and Terrence N. De Silva Maha Vidyalaya. When inquired about the relief efforts, to recover the bodies of the dead, Minister of Law & Order and Southern Development, Sagala Ratnayake, responded that they will continue to excavate the site until they find the 10 persons reported to be missing. Continuing further excavations can only endanger the lives of the military personal and others individuals involved in the process, Minister Ratnayaka stated during a field visit he made to site.
Estimation of the damaged properties, led by Colombo District Secretary, Sunil Kannangara, also commenced yesterday (17).He further , said that those people whose properties have been damaged would be compensated in accordance following the completion of the classification process.
