Severe lightning; red alert for 12 districts

A red alert on thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning has been issued for 12 districts, the natural hazards early warning center of the Meteorology Department said today.

Accordingly, thundershowers accompanied by lightning are likely to occur in the north-central, eastern, and central provinces and in Badulla, Kegalla, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar districts during the evening or night.

Heavy showers of above 75 mm can be expected in Uva, Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Easten provinces.

Therefore, the general public is cautioned to take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against lightning, the department said.

Accordingly, the 12 districts are named as follows: Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Matale, Batticaloa, Kandy, Kegalla, Nuwara-Eliya, and Badulla.

The Meteorology Department cautioned people not to seek shelter under trees but to stay indoors. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickama)