Lightning strikes kills three in Jaffna

Colombo (News 1st): Three people including 2 women died after being struck by lightning in Jaffna today (April 16). The Department of Meteorology requests the general public to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning and strong winds during the prevailing weather conditions. According to the Police, the victims were working in their fields in Kuppilan South, Chunnakam, Jaffna, when they were struck by lightning. The deceased women were 38 and 55 years while the deceased man was 49 years old. Their remains have been placed at the Jaffna Hospital. Meanwhile, 2 transformers supplying electricity to areas including Kudamaaduwa, Mattegoda, Homagama and Siddhamulla were damaged during strong winds and lightning yesterday (April 15). Areas surrounding Homagama experienced a power outage until this evening. The Meteorology Department predicted thundershowers in many parts of the island tonight. Issuing a special warning on severe thunderstorms and heavy rains the department said that heavy falls of above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, Western, North-Central and North-Western provinces. The warning adds that wind speeds may increase during the thunderstorms. The Meteorology Department said areas in North Central Province and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Ampara districts will experience extreme heat weather conditions until the 18th of this month.