News, Picks

Death toll rises to 64, evacuations to be completed by tonight

20 May, 2016

The death toll from the deadly floods and landslides rose to 64 this afternoon with 131 others missing, the Ministry of Disaster Management said.

The Ministry also said that 80 percent of those stranded as a result of the floods and landslides have been evacuated to safer locations and the rest are expected to be evacuated by tonight.

Meanwhile, PickMe, a local Live Taxi App has has started a programme together with the Defence Ministry to air-lift people in critical condition including pregnant women, children, sick or wounded and the elderly, from thee flood affected zones.

In order to commence, the GPS coordinates of the people who are in need for evacuation are needed, PickMe said.

These can be provided by placing the ‘i man’ icon in the PickMe app on the exact location and pressing on the ‘Air Lift’ button. PickMe will also call the person and get the particular details.

If they have friends, family or anyone in need of evacuation, they could also provide the details to PickMe.

These details and GPS coordinates will be then given to the Defence Ministry, PickMe said.

PickMe has also started a evacuation and flood relief programme, mobilizing several boats and vehicles.?(Colombo Gazette)

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