Severe lightning advisory issued for 16 districts

Colombno, September 8 (Daily Mirror) - The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory warning of thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning over 16 districts of the country.

The advisory, issued at 12.00 p.m. today (September 8) and valid until 11.00 p.m., covers the Central, North-Central, North-Western, Eastern, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as the Vavuniya and Mullaittivu districts. Temporary localized strong winds are also possible during thundershowers, the Department said.

The public has been urged to take precautions to minimize lightning-related damage.

Action Required:

• Seek shelter indoors and avoid taking cover under trees.
• Stay away from open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations, and water bodies.
• Refrain from using wired telephones and electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors, and boats.
• Watch out for fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergencies, contact local disaster management authorities.