EXTREME WEATHER ALERT: HEAVY DOWNPOUR IN COLOMBO AND SUBURBS

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Meteorology said the South Western parts of the island will experience increased rainfall in the coming days.

It added many areas will experience heavy rainfall of more than 150mm of rainfall.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a "Special Advisory for Heavy rain, Strong winds, and rough seas."

A low-pressure area has formed over South East Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman sea area, which is likely to intensify further, The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at the Department of Meteorology said.

The Met Department predicts heavy falls exceeding 100 mm in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Central provinces.

The department also said that the wind speed could increase up to 40 - 50 kmph in the Southern half of the island.

For coastal areas, a sudden increase of wind speed up to 60-70 kmph is also likely; especially in off the Southern and Eastern coastal belt.

The Department has requested people living in landslide-prone areas to be vigilant.

For emergency assistance, the general public is advised to contact the local disaster management authorities.