Relative reduction in rainfall today: Met Department

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Meteorology says that there will be a relative reduction in rainfall experienced from today (11). However, the death toll from the heavy rains and subsequent landslides experienced over the course of the past few days rose to 25 yesterday (10). The Disaster Management Center says that 212,060 people across 17 districts have been adversely affected by the extreme weather situation while one person had gone missing and seven people have sustained injuries. Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) says that the landslide warnings issued for several Divisional Secretariats remain in effect. Moreover, the Director of the Water Management Unit of the Irrigation Department D. Abeysiriwardena says that the sluice gates of all reservoirs will be closed by 12 noon today if the rains subside. Furthermore, the Met Department forecasts that there will be a reduction in rainfall experienced from today, however, showers of around 50mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western Provinces. Strong winds up to (40-50) kmph can also be expected over the island.