Extreme weather toll rises

By Skandha Gunasekara

The number of deaths from the extreme weather conditions has increased to 24, in addition to 13 persons being injured and one missing. The deaths involved include three deaths by landslides, 12 from drowning, two from high winds, five from lightning and 1 from other causes. 

A total of 174,310 people have been affected, comprising 45,680 families.

Meanwhile, 121 houses have been completely destroyed while a further 5,205 have been partially damaged and 88 critical infrastructures have been damaged as well.

The Government has thus far set up 339 Safety Centres where 70,376 persons are being housed, including 17,976 families.

A total of 854 military forces personnel have been deployed for emergency services with an additional 6,264 personnel on standby.

Twenty districts across the island have been affected so far by the adverse weather.

According to the Meteorological Department heavy rainy conditions in the south-western part of the island are expected to reduce temporarily from today. Fairly strong gusty winds about 50 kmph can be expected over the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western Provinces.

Light showers will occur in Mannar and Jaffna Districts.

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50mm can occur in some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts.