Colombo: The Met Department has issued an extreme weather advisory following the formation of a low-pressure area in the country’s vicinity.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the existing low-pressure area is very likely to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours, prompting weather warnings and hazard warnings for land and sea areas around the island.
Several places in the Eastern, Central, North-Central, and Uva provinces may experience very heavy rains exceeding 150 mm, with heavy rains exceeding 100 mm also possible in other parts. Occasional showers or thundershowers are expected across most parts of the island. Strong winds of about 50-60 kmph are likely in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, Western, and Eastern provinces, as well as in the Hambantota and Matale districts. These heavy showers and wind conditions are expected to intensify in the coming days.
Very heavy showers or thundershowers are anticipated in the sea areas surrounding the island, with wind speeds
potentially increasing to about 60-70 kmph, making sea conditions very rough. The fishing and nautical community is strongly advised to refrain from fishing and navigation in the deep and shallow sea areas from today until further notice.
In response to this developing situation, all emergency response units, including the tri-forces, police, Disaster Management Centre (DMC), and National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), are fully prepared to handle possible emergencies under the Ministry of Defence’s supervision. All disaster relief teams of the tri-forces are ready to conduct rescue operations, provide relief, and transport displaced individuals to safe locations. Navy boats and Air Force aircraft and helicopters are on standby for flood relief operations. The Sri Lanka Police is prepared at the district and divisional levels to ensure safety and provide necessary assistance to protect lives and property.
The Disaster Management Centre, in collaboration with local government institutions, has implem
ented a National Emergency Response Plan through the Regional Disaster Management Units. Meanwhile, the National Building Research Institute is actively monitoring landslide risk zones and will issue necessary early warnings and evacuate at-risk individuals if required.
In case of emergency, the public is advised to contact the Emergency Response Unit via the 24-hour hotline 117 or +94 112 136 222 for necessary disaster assistance. The public is urged to heed notices issued by the Department of Meteorology, remain vigilant, and take necessary actions to minimise dangers posed by strong winds and lightning.
By taking appropriate precautions and avoiding unnecessary fear, it is possible to effectively minimise potential damage and safeguard lives and property.