Weather Update: Several houses damaged due to strong winds

COLOMBO (News 1st) -  Several houses were damaged in Manakete, Imbulwehera and Maneruwa areas in the Palagala Divisional Secretariat in Anuradhapura due to strong winds. Area residents said the houses were damaged during 06 pm to 08 pm in the evening. Meanwhile, more than 30 houses were damaged in Udunuwara, Rathgama, Serambada, Kirivavula and Lagamuwa due to strong winds News 1st correspondents covering these areas said around 120 locals were affected by the strong winds. The Udunuwara Divisional Secretariat has commenced activities to provide relief to the affected locals.    05.30 pm - Issuing the latest weather advisory the Department of Meteorology says due to a low-pressure area developed in the Arabian sea to the west of Sri Lanka, prevailing showery conditions are expected to enhance over the island today and tomorrow. Heavy rainfall of about 150 mm can be expected in the Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Western provinces. While heavy fall of 100 mm can be expected in the North-Central and Southern provinces and in Mannar and Vavuniya districts. The Department adds there may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. According to the Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre - Pradeep Kodippili the highest rainfall is reported from the Colombo, Kalutara, and Galle districts. He added that the landslide warnings issued to residents in the Haldumulla and Passara areas will continue to be in effect. Meanwhile, fishing communities have been requested to stay ashore till 1.30pm tomorrow.   04.04 pm: Heavy showers were experienced in Colombo and several other areas in the island early today (October 06). The Department of Meteorology forecasts heavy rainfall the next few days adding that heavy rain and strong winds are likely to occur after 2.00 pm every day. Showers or thundershowers may occur in western and southern coastal areas. In the past 24 hours, Mathugama Wogan estate experienced the highest rainfall of 102mm while 65mm rainfall was recorded in Sogama, 54mm in Thabbowa, 52mm in Ratmalalana and 47mm in Polonnaruwa. Meanwhile, the sluice gates of the Dedura Oya and Polgolla reservoirs have also been opened. Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Center Pradeep Kodipili said, 10 houses in the Nawagaththegama area have been damaged due to strong winds.