ECONOMYNEXT – Three deaths have been reported due to prevailing weather conditions in Sri Lanka with the onset of the southwest monsoon. Heavy rains are expected to continue in the Western, Southern provinces and the southwest parts of the country, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) officials said.
Due to the heavy rains that occurred in the past few days, the DMC said, disaster situations were reported in Rathuwala, Nuwara Eliya, Jaffna, Galle and Kandy areas, with three deaths reported in the Nuwara Eliya district.
Several families have been relocated due to flood and landslide warnings in these areas.
DMC Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippili said, so far, 25 property damages have been reported while assessments are continuing.
Kodippili said, due to the heavy rains, several roads in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Matara districts have been closed and the public advised to use alternative routes.
According to the Meteorology Department, In the 24 hours until 8.30 am on Tuesday August 02, Sri Palabadda, Kudawa, Dikoyawatte, Gilliemale and Derangala in Ratnapura, Matara and Nuwara Eliya districts recorded more than 100mm of rainfall.
Hydrology and Disaster Management Centre of the Irrigation Department said by Tuesday morning, minor floods were seen in Thalgahagoda, Panadugama, and Ratnapura areas due to water levels rising in Kalu and Nilwala rivers.
Kodippili said water levels of several rivers are rising due to the continuous rain.
“Dam doors of Lakshapana, Kukule ganga, Canyon and Polgoda reservoirs have been opened. People in low-lying areas must be vigilant of possible flood situations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department has issued red notices for naval and fishing communities as heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon are expected to continue.
“From Puttalam to Colombo, Galle and Hambantota via Potuvil, wind speeds can increase upto 70 kilometres per hour and seas can be extremely rough,” the Met Department said.
The department said shallow sea areas from Puttalam to Mannar via Kankesanthurai can be rough from time to time withs wind speeds increasing up to 60 kilometres per hour.
With the prevailing rains expected to continue, the Met Department said, naval communities are advised not to venture out to sea areas from Puttalam to Colombo, Galle and Hambantota via Pottuvil until further notice.
In inland areas, heavy rains can be expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North Western provinces exceeding 100mm and winds exceeding 50 kilometres per hour can also be expected, it said.
Officials ask the public to be vigilant of possible natural disasters and to contact 117 for any emergencies. (Colombo/Aug02/2022)