MEGODA-KOLONNAWA RESIDENTS STRUGGLE TO REVIVE LIVES AFTER DEVASTATING FLOODS

The messy aftermath of the floods that occurred in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah is evident for anyone who visits Megoda-Kolonnawa.

- By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe

In fact it is one of the worst flood-prone areas in Colombo as it is a low-lying settlement along the Kelani River basin. Flooding is a usual occurrence for people in this area. But that is the only setback for this prime location which is in high demand in the real estate market.Walking amidst piles of waste

People's belongings and garbage being piled on either side of the road is a usual sight for anybody visiting this area. Everything from mattresses to sofas, wooden furniture, pillows, cushions which were soaked as a result of floods have been dumped on either side of the road. Residents in this area are mostly daily wage earners who live in dire straits. In some places, people are seen drying clothes by the roadside as they have limited space within their own homes. The Daily Mirror learned that even though the Kelani River overflowed in places such as Kohilawatta, Megoda-Kolonnawa was inundated mainly due to rising water levels in several canals. Perhaps this is why there was a stench that emanated from time to time, raising concerns regarding the health of its residents.

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