DMC requests fisherman not to set out to sea due to bad weather

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - The Disaster Management Centre noted that all sections are on standby in-light of the inclement weather being experienced in the country. However, the Met Department notes that the weather system that is currently over Sri Lanka is expected to pass over the country by tomorrow (March 13). Heavy rains were experienced in many parts of the island since yesterday (March 11) evening. The highest rainfall during the 24 hours period that ended at 8.30am was recorded from the Pothuvil area with the figure standing at 135.6mm. Meanwhile, our correspondents also noted that due to the heavy rains being experienced the Heda Oya as well as the Maha Wewa has reached spill level. Heavy rains are currently being experienced in the Polonnaruwa district as well. Eight spill gates of the Parakrama Samudraya were opened today (March 12) due to the heavy rain in the area. The Department of Irrigation noted that due to the opening of the spill gates 1120 cubic feet of water is being released into the Mahaweli River through the Amban Ganga, per second.

"The wewa is at a capacity of 116,000 cubic feet. We urge those who use the wewa and the wan ela to remain cautious.." -                K.K.D. de Silva

Several areas in the Hambantota district have also been affected by the inclement weather Minor flooding has been reported from the Valachenei area in Batticaloa. Our correspondent in the is noted that 15 families have been affected by the flooding. Heavy showers are also experiencing in the Trincomalee area with our correspondent reporting that fishermen have not set out to sea due to the current weather conditions. Ending months of drought, farmers in Anuradhapura received some respite as showers were experienced in several areas in the Anuradhapura district. Our correspondent in the area noted that the many areas in the district about an hours worth of heavy showers. Meanwhile, the disaster management centre convened a media briefing this afternoon Assistant Director of the Met Dept. Athula Karunaratne stated that the weather system is moving away from the country towards the west and that it will likely enter the Arabian sea. Further, he stated that they expect tomorrow (March 13) to be cloudy and could expect a few showers as well.

“However the system could develop once more after it reaches the Arabian Sea. We have informed India of this as well” - Athula Karunaratne

Media Spokesperson for DMC, Pradeep Koddipili stated that based on the reports they have received in the morning they informed the fishing community not to set out to sea. Further, he stated that they have kept the fishing community informed through the fisheries department and have informed the armed forces as well as the police of the possibilities and place them on standby.

“We have also placed the district disaster management units on standby, the people need to understand the severity of the warning that has been issued. By following the information and notices issued by the disaster management centres, met department and the fisheries department we will be able to save lives.” - Pradeep Koddipili