Sri Lanka will be experiencing strong gusty winds and heavy rain today, despite the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal moving away from Sri Lanka towards Bangladesh while intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm, the Meteorological Department said yesterday.
Deputy Director Meryl Mendis said that due to these conditions, the southwest monsoon rains would intensify.
He said that as a result, gusty winds would be passing through Sri Lanka, while the western slopes of the central hills and catchment areas such as Ratnapura, Kegalle, and Nuwara Eliya would be receiving heavy rains.
The deputy director called on the people to take precautions from heavy winds and rains as the inclement weather could cause trees to fall, landslides, and floods.
The Meteorology Department has issued a warning saying strong winds of 60–70 kmph and heavy rain are expected around the country. The sea would be rough in the southeastern Arabian Sea area and the Bay of Bengal.
The department advises fishermen to return to the shore or move to safer areas immediately. The fishing and naval communities are advised to follow the department’s forecasts.
The Disaster Management Centre’s Director General, Retd. Maj. Gen. Udaya Herath, called on the people to follow the warnings to avoid danger to them and their properties.
He said that already seven people had died due to the falling of trees. With the heavy winds and rains, more trees could fall. Already, more than 44,000 people have been affected throughout the country due to the adverse weather, and more than 450,000 electricity breakdowns have been reported.
(sundaytimes.lk)
(This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
