Heavy rains expected in Sri Lanka's South West amidst COVID-19 battle

COLOMBO (News1st): Sri Lankan weather authorities have forecasted heavy showers in the country's South Western region in the coming weeks, warning of a spike in diseases, coupled with floods and landslides. The weather advisories come in the midst of warnings that diseases could spike amidst the country's battle against the coronavirus. "The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has identified approximately 10,000 people who are living in high-risk zones," NBRO Director-General Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena said on Wednesday. Residents in mountainous regions and those residing near rivers have been urged to exercise caution due to a possible threat of landslides and flooding. "We have predicted that diseases such as respiratory problems, dengue, and rat fever may increase during the rainy season," Dr Hemantha Herath, a coordinator at the health ministry said. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has stressed the importance of abiding by health directives when people are moved into temporary camps in the event of a calamity. "People must wash their hands, wear face masks and abide by all the health directives," DMC Director-General Sudantha Ranasinghe, a retired major general, told reporters. Meteorological department officials have forecasted heavy rains in the South Western region, with some districts expected to receive nearly eight inches of rainfall. He said that Public Health Inspectors (PHI) would closely monitor the health of those who could be temporarily sheltered at state-run camps in the country.