EXTREME WEATHER: Death toll due to weather rises to 26

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) says that the death toll due to Extreme Weather has increased to 26 while one person remains missing. Meanwhile, more than 230,000 people across 17 districts have been adversely affected due to the disaster situation owing to the recent heavy showers. According to the latest situation report issued by the DMC, over 12,700 people are taking shelter at 80 relief centers and over 1300 houses have been damaged, with 39 houses destroyed. Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) says the Landslide Early Warning issued to several Divisional Secretariat areas in the Badulla, Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Nuwara Eliya and Rathnapura Districts, has been further extended until 4:00 p.m. today. The Department of Meteorology, however says that fairly heavy showers of about 75mm could be expected at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western Provinces and showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening-hours or tonight. Strong winds up to 40-50 kmph are likely to take place in the island. Additionally, the Met Department further noted that a new low pressure area is expected along the South Andaman Sea areas by tomorrow (13). Fishing and naval communities have been advised to be vigilant in this regard.