Sri Lanka braces for heavy showers in coming days

Rainfall exceeding 100 mm on the cards 

Inclement weather causes 10 deaths 

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

Sri Lanka is set for several more days of unsettled weather, with the Meteorology Department warning of continued showers and thunderstorms across most parts of the island. 

According to the department, cloudy skies will prevail islandwide, while showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva Provinces, as well as in the Hambantota and Matale Districts. 

“Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely in parts of the Eastern, North-Central, Uva and Southern Provinces, while fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are possible elsewhere. The Northern Province may also experience fairly strong winds of around 40 kmph,” it forecast. 

As such, the public has been urged to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. 

Meanwhile, severe lightning and thundershowers are forecast in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Southern Provinces, and in the Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Ampara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts. Authorities warn of localised strong winds during these episodes and advise the public to remain vigilant. 

Moreover, a total of 1,790 people from 504 families across 10 districts have been affected by the recent adverse weather conditions. 
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 193 houses have been partially damaged, while two houses have been completely destroyed. 

The severe weather has also resulted in 10 deaths while 16 individuals from five families have been relocated to safer areas as precautionary measures.