Meteorology Dept. warns of continued bad weather

With the Meteorology Department issuing forecasts warning of continued bad weather the death toll in related incidents rose to three yesterday, with authorities urging communities to be vigilant of changing conditions.

In Ginigathhena a landslide killed one shop owner and damaged 10 properties while a search party was able to recover the body of the missing child who was swept away in flood waters in Agarapatana where two children aged 11 attempted crossing a culvert in Agarapatana on Thursday.

Over 3,000 families have been affected by the adverse weather conditions with people in several Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Ratnapura being evacuated to safe locations due to flood threats from rising water levels in Kali gaga.

However the Disaster Management Centre said the situation is under control with Army being deployed to help evacuate people.

The Meteorology Department yesterday issued a fresh forecast valid for the next 36 hours, warning that “prevailing windy conditions over the country and surrounding sea areas and showery condition in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces are likely to continue”.

The Department said: “Very strong gusty winds up to (70-80) kmph are likely over the island, particularly in Western, Southern Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western and North-Central provinces and in Trincomalee District, strong gusty winds up to (50-60) kmph can be expected elsewhere.”

Further showers or thunder showers occur at times in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Western, Southern and North-Western provinces. Heavy rainfall up to about 100 mm are likely at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces while daily heavy falls above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts.

Further the Meteorology Department also warned of temporary localised strong winds during thundershowers. 

“General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning activity,” the statement said.