Cyclone Storm ‘Remal’ intensifies, poses threat to North Bay of Bengal: Met. Dept.

• Naval and fishing communities advised not to venture out to sea

By Yohan Perera & Chaturanga Samarawickrama   

The cyclone storm, named “Remal” over the North Bay of Bengal, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, Department of Meteorology said yesterday.   

“It is located near 19.5°N and 89.3°E, to the north-east of Sri Lanka, and 1,500 km away from Kankesanthurai. It is very likely to move nearly northwards, intensify further, and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal (India) coasts by May 26 at midnight,” the Department said.

The Department said the storm would bring very strong winds (60-70) kmph, accompanied by heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over the sea areas around the country and over the South-eastern Arabian Sea areas and Bay of Bengal Sea areas.   

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the seas.   

The water levels in the upper areas of the Kelani and Kalu Ganga have reached caution levels due to the higher rainfall in the catchment areas of these rivers, the Irrigation Department’s Irrigation (Hydrology) Director Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara Bandara warned yesterday.   

He said the water levels in these rivers have reached caution levels for the first time soon after the north-east monsoon began.   
“Especially those living along the upper areas of the Kelani and Kalu Ganga closer to the Ratnapura district are requested to be vigilant of sudden floods,”  he said.   

There are possibilities of sudden floods in these areas if rains of 100 mm continue,” he added.   

Meanwhile, around nine people have been killed in various parts of the country as a result of fallen trees.   

More than 3,140 houses have been damaged while 11 houses were fully destroyed as a result of inclement weather conditions.   
Rainfall in many areas was less than 100 mm as of last afternoon.   

Spill gates of Deduru Oya, Kalawewa, Kukule Ganga and Polgolla were opened.