As the Southwest monsoon season begins to take effect in Sri Lanka, the country has experienced increasingly adverse weather conditions. The Dept. of Meteorology has accordingly issued an Amber Level weather advisory on the 14th of May in this regard. They state that the showery conditions over Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts of the island are expected further. The wind speed is expected to increase over Northern and North-Western provinces and the Hambantota district, and showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western,
Sabaragamuwa, Central and Northwestern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Very heavy showers above 150mm can occur at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
In light of the prevailing conditions, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued an early landslide warning. The identified locations of potential risk include Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura.
Further to this, the Dept. of Irrigation has issued a Flood Warning message amidst rising river levels. By analyzing the current rainfall situation and river water levels of Hydrological Stations in Kalu Ganga, they state that there is a possibility of occurring a considerable flood situation in lowline areas of Kalu Ganga and it’s tributary (specially Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga) situated in Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Ratnapura, Kuruvita, Ayagama, Elapatha, Bulathsinhala and Palinda Nuwara D/S Divisions.
Precautions:
– People living in hilly areas (particularly landslide prone areas) and low-lying areas in
river basins are requested to be vigilant.
– Drivers and people using roads in hilly areas are requested to be vigilant.
– Take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
– Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
– Be alert on the advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Information courtesy: A-PAD
