Batticaloa floods displace thousands

22 December 2014 Thousands have been displaced over the weekend by heavy flooding in Batticaloa. Heavy rainfall since Friday has damaged thousands of homes, with hundreds being reported as irreparable. From the Vakarai division alone, 8234 people are reported to be sheltering in public buildings, with a further 16,661 seeking refuge with friends and family. The Munmunai Southwest Divisional Secretariat reported 5611 people displaced. The severe weather has also resulted in one death. Vasanthy Iyathurai, aged 49, of Vaazhaichenai died in hospital after being admitted for severe illness related to the cold conditions. (Photographs by battinews.com)