A storm to hit Sri Lanka?

 Intensified rain expected in northern, eastern, north-central provinces 

Worsening situation feared for flood-hit areas 

Rainfall of 75 mm, particularly in the northern, eastern and north-central provinces, according to the Department of Meteorology.

It will be risky if it rains more than 150-200 mm again

The irrigation and Mahaweli authorities are on alert to release excess water and manage the situation

Small and medium tanks had been affected mostly by the latest floods.   

The Department has already alerted the Irrigation Department, the Mahaweli Development Authority and the  NBRO  for the impact assessment of the areas already hit by the tropical cyclone  

By Kelum Bandara 

A storm that developed in the Bay of Bengal area is expected to hit Sri Lanka today, bringing rainfall of 75 mm, particularly to the northern, eastern and north-central provinces, according to the Department of Meteorology.  

Such a rainfall, though not serious, can trigger concerns in the already flooded areas. The Department has already alerted the Irrigation Department, the Mahaweli Development Authority and the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) for the impact assessment of the areas already hit by the tropical cyclone. 

The BBC, in its weather forecast, also informed that cloud movements in the Bay of Bengal could develop into a storm and drift towards Sri Lanka, causing intensified rain. 

Asked for a comment in this regard, Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath said the Irrigation Department and the Mahaweli Development Authority were bracing for the management of water levels of reservoirs in the event of activation of the north-east monsoon rain in the coming days. 

He said most of the major tanks and reservoirs are at spill level following heavy rain unleashed by Cyclone Ditwah. 

“It will be risky if it rains more than 150-200 mm again. The irrigation and Mahaweli authorities are on alert to release excess water and manage the situation,” he said. 

Asked about the damage to the irrigation system, he said small and medium tanks had been affected mostly by the latest floods.