To counter natural disasters: Special DMC unit on alert

With the Met Department forecasting heavy rains today, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has set up a special unit to minimise any such impacts during the polling period, DMC Spokesman Pradeep Kodippily said.

Mr. Kodippily said the special unit would be monitored by DMC officials and the Chairman of the Election Commission.

The Department of Meteorology has forecast afternoon thundershowers exceeding 100 mm and severe lightning in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Western and North-Western provinces today.

Several spells of light showers are also expected in the Northern and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere after 2.00 p.m in the afternoon. (Yohan Perera)