'Flood Picnics' Affecting Relief Work: Tens Of Thousands Still Homeless

Those who affect flood-affected areas for 'picnics' have become a hindrance to relief service, several relief workers told Asian Mirror. 

"There was a considerable number of people who visited Aranayake on 'flood picnics. They don't distribute any donations but visit the area only to witness the damage. They cause a lot of traffic on adjacent areas and it affects the work of the relief teams working on the ground," a relief worker said on Saturday. 

He said the same trend could be seen in areas such as Kelaniya, Sedawatte, Angoda and Himbutana on Friday and Saturday. 

"some roads are still blocked due to floods. Some roads, unfortunately, are blocked due to picnic-goers," another relief worker said. 

"There is nothing to 'see' and get excited! tends of thousands of people have become homeless and the majority of them live in temporary relief camps. They need immediate relief services and thousands of volunteers are now working in flood-ht areas to facilitate the process. Anyone is welcome to help relief services," he added. 

He also added that the relief workers had informed the law enforcement authorities of the issues they face as a result of 'flood picnics'.