The assistant of the tractor that was swept away in flood waters in Karaitivu in Ampara and was reported missing along with a group of school children, has been found alive.
Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said the man had surrendered to the Karaitivu Police today after which he was arrested.
The man was arrested for illegally transporting passengers using a tractor for financial gain, disregarding the warnings of the security forces, and endangering lives.
As of this evening, the bodies of four missing students, one civilian, and the driver of the tractor had been recovered.
The Disaster Management Centre said that, however, the bodies of two school children are still missing.
As per the DMC’s data as of 04.00 pm today, 12 persons are reported dead due to adverse weather in Sri Lanka.
Seven deaths have been reported from the Ampara district, while one each has been reported from Badulla, Puttalam, Trincomalee, and Vavuniya.
One person is reported missing and 18 persons are reported injured due to disaster incidents reported across the country.
The DMC said 401,707 persons from 120,534 families across 23 districts have been severely affected due to inclement weather.
A total of 36,330 persons from 11,663 families have been placed in 345 safety shelters, while 94,134 persons from 28,324 families have been relocated to their relative’s houses. (Newswire)
