Sri Lankans flee amid fears of new tsunami
Sri Lankans climbed onto the roofs of their houses while others fled in their cars away from the coastline after officials urged them to move to higher ground after fresh quakes sparked fears of new tsunamis today.
The army urged people to be alert, but not to panic. An earthquake expert said the aftershocks were probably not strong enough to produce tsunamis.
But with neighbouring India ordering an evacuation of coastal areas, instructions that were heard on radios here, some people did.
“There is total confusion here,” said Rohan Bandara in the coastal town of Tangalle. “The aim of all the people is not to see the waves again, so they are leaving.”
A fire engine fitted with loudspeakers told residents to leave one area on the southern coast and to move to higher ground.
Cars, vans and motorbikes jammed roads leading away from coastlines. Some people hauled their most-valuable possessions stuffed into plastic bags.
In the eastern Batticaloa area, people piled onto buses and left for inland, said an aid worker.
India said its warning was issued following information that several aftershocks in the region had pushed up the water level.
