Rains to continue while 770,787 persons affected by drought

The prevailing stormy conditions over the island are expected to continue during next few days while at the other extreme, 770,787 persons from 226,828 families have been affected due to the prevailing drought experienced in 18 districts in the country.

The Meteorological Department today said showers or thundershowers of over 100 mm would occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and in the Galle, Matara and Jaffna districts.

It said thundershowers and lightning activities would occur in the Uva, Eastern and North-Central provinces and in the Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts, particularly after 2.00 p.m.

“General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning,” it added.

It further said the sea area extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and the sea area extending from Puttalam to Kankasanturai via Mannar could be rough at times as the wind speed could increase up to (50-55) kmph at times.

“Temporarily strong gusty winds (up to 70-80 kmph) and very rough seas can be expected during the thundershowers,” the Meteorological Department said.

Meanwhile, Disaster Management Centre said the districts affected by the drought are Ratnapura, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Kandy, Hambantota, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Moneragala and Badulla. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Video by Susantha