COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology on Thursday (14) issued red alert for heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres in several parts of the country, as a low-pressure system northeast of the island continues to trigger severe weather conditions.
The advisory, issued at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, effective until 8.30 a.m. Friday (15) covers the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western Provinces, as well as the districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara.
The Department of Meteorology said the low-pressure area, which has contributed to intense rainfall and strong winds in recent days, still persists northeast of Sri Lanka but is expected to gradually move away and weaken over the next 36 hours.
“Therefore, the general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by heavy rain, strong winds, lightning and thundershowers,” the department said.
Authorities reported that the highest rainfall recorded during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 a.m. on Thursday (14) was in Puttalam, where 256.2 millimetres of rain was recorded.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said 3,475 people from 1,113 families in seven districts had been severely affected by floods and related weather incidents.
Of those affected, 1,310 individuals from 489 families have been relocated to eight temporary safety shelters established by authorities.
One death has also been reported from Koralepatthu South in the Batticaloa District, the DMC said.
Authorities further reported partial damage to 88 houses and one business establishment as of 10.00 a.m. on Thursday.
Disaster management officials have urged residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant as heavy rains are expected to continue in several parts of the island.
-ENCL
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