ECONOMYNEXT – Three more deaths have been reported due to the prevailing adverse weather in Sri Lanka, bringing the death toll to 25, with red alerts for landslides have been issued to Kegalle, Kandy and Kurunegala districts, the Disaster management Centre (DMC) said.
DMC Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippili told reporters that out of the 25 deaths, 12 were due to drowning.
“Most of the deaths were due to people going for a swim or a boat ride in the flood areas,” Kodippili told reporters on Thursday (11).
“We ask urge public not to do that. Do not go knowingly engage in these activities in flooded areas.”
The DMC said more than 12,000 people are still in relief centres, while latest data shows around 200,000 people from 60,000 families have been affected by the inclement weather.
Kodippili said 700 to 1,000 properties were damaged and valuations are being done by government agents and DMC officials for compensation.
Residents in low laying areas around reservoirs and rivers have also been asked to be vigilant due to many dam doors being opened to control water levels.
Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued land side warnings for several areas on Thursday (11).
Level one
- Galle – Nagoda, Neluwa, Yakkamulla, and Akmeemana District Secretariat Divisions
- Rathnapura – Kiriella, Elapatha, Nivithigala and Kuruwita District Secretariat Divisions
- Matale – Pallepola, Matale and Yatawatta District Secretariat Divisions
- Kalutara – Ingiriya, Walallawita and Horana District Secretariat Divisions
- Gampaha – Mirigama, Aththanagalla and Dompe District Secretariat Divisions
- Nuwara Eliya – Walapane, Ambagamuwa, Hanguranetha and Kothmale District Secretariat Divisions
Level two
- Badulla – Passara and Ella District Secretariat Divisions
- Colombo –Seethawaka and Padukka District Secretariat Divisions
- Kalutara – Mathugama, Agalawatta, Bulathsinghala, Palindanuwara and Dodangoda District Secretariat
- Divisions
- Galle – Baddegama abd Elpitiya District Secretariat Divisions
- Rathnapura – Ayagama, Rathnapura, Eheliyagoda and Kalawana District Secretariat Divisions
- Matale – Raththota and Ukuwela District Secretariat Divisions
- Kandy – Pathadumbara, Minipe, Meda dumbara, Poojapitiya, Ududumbara, Delthota, Hatharaliyadda,
- Akurana, Panvila and Kundasale District Secretariat Divisions
Level three (Red alert/ Evacuate)
- Kegalle – Yatiyanthota, Ruwanwella, Mawanella, Aranayaka, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Rambukkana,
- Kegalle, Warakapola, Deraniyagala and Galigamuwa District Secretariat Divisions
- Kandy – Harispaththuwa, Doluwa, Yatinuwara, Udapalatha, Pasbage korale, Gangawata Korale,
- Udunuwara and Gangaihala korale District Secretariat Divisions
- Kurunegala – Mallawapitiya, Rideegama, Alawwa, Narammala, Mawathagama and Polgahawela District Secretariat Divisions
The Meteorology Department said a low pressure area in the south-east Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression. Currently located about 300 kilometers north of Point Pedro, it is expected to move northwestwards and reach the northern Tamil Nadu coast Thursday evening.
On land, the Met Department said, showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Showers were also forecast to occur Northern Province in the morning hours.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at parts of Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night. Fairly heavy showers about 75millimeters can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces.
“Strong winds up to 40-50 kilometers per hour can be expected over the island,” the department said.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via, Colombo and Galle, the Met Department further said.
Wnds will be South-westerly at speeds of around 30-40 kilometers per hour in sea areas around the island. Wind speeds can increase up to 50-60 kilometers per hour at times in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via, Colombo and Galle.
Sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle will be rough at times and temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. Naval and fishing communities have been warned to be vigilant. (Colombo/ Nov 11/2021)