Weather Alert: Deep depression crossing Sri Lanka, be vigilant for flash floods, landslides - Met. Dept.

• Western province not expected to be affected 
• Be prepared for crop destruction, damage to shelters
• Heavy rain not expected in areas devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, though  
• Strong winds of 50 – 60 kmph are expected to occur throughout the island and strong rainfall exceeding 150mm is expected to occur at the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces

By Huzefa Aliasger

A depression which occurred in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is crossing Sri Lanka today and warnings have been sent out by the Department of Meteorology to be prepared for flash floods, crop destruction, power cuts, damage to huts and uprooting of trees.  
The meteorology department says “showery, and windy conditions over the island, particularly in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces is expected to intensify from today”. Strong winds of 50 – 60 kmph are expected to occur throughout the island and strong rainfall exceeding 150mm is expected to occur at the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces.  
A warning sent out to the public says that “Damage to huts, temporary shelters and light structures. Destruction of roof tops/ sheets etc. Damage to power and communication lines. Breaking of tree branches and uprooting of large avenue trees. Damage to paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards. Damage to harbour yachts. Flash flood sea water inundation in low lying areas in the near coast is expected and drivers and people using roads in the hilly areas are requested to be vigilant, people living in hilly areas (particularly landslide prone areas) and low lying areas in river basins are also requested to be vigilant.”  
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that all necessary warnings have been issued, and emergency teams are prepared to evacuate residents depending on the progression of the weather. Authorities have urged people in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant for early warning signs, including widening cracks in the ground, tilting trees or poles, sudden emergence of springs or muddy water, and blockages or disappearance of water sources. Residents observing such signs are adviced to move to safer areas immediately.  
According to Mr. Pradeep Kodippili Director Education & Public Awareness for DMC “the current weather conditions will not hinder the restoration work caused by the previous cyclone as measures by the DMC have already been taken and high rainfall is not expected in seriously affected areas.”  
Currently 52,194 families and 177,423 people are still displaced due to the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and living with relatives, friends or other locations and situations will be monitored from today as well by the DMC.