Very heavy showers of 150mm expected in several areas

Very heavy showers of 150mm expected in several areas

The Department of Meteorology predicted very heavy showers of about 150mm in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. 

The Department predicted heavy showers above 100mm in the North-western province and in the Mannar, Galle and Matara districts, with showers or thundershowers elsewhere as well.

Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.

The Met. Department predicted strong winds of about 40-50 kmph in the western slope of the central hills and in the Southern province, with fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph elsewhere. 

The Department informed the public to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) said 67,591 people in 15 districts have been affected due to heavy rains and floods, with the Puttalam district the most affected.

The Department of Irrigation said the Kuda River, a tributary of the Kalu River, and Attanagalu Oya are at minor flood level, due to the prevailing showers.

Director of Irrigation - Hydrology & Disaster Management Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara said water levels of the Kalu, Gin, Nilwala and Kelani rivers are also on the rise.

The landslide warning issued in nine districts was extended till Wednesday (22) afternoon.

The landslide warning is in effect in several divisional secretariats in the Badulla, Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Galle, Kurunegala and Ratnapura districts.