Low-Pressure Area Near Sri Lanka: Met Department Warns of Very Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Meteorology says that a low-level atmospheric disturbance located to the east of the Island is intensified into a lowpressure area. 

Therefore, this system may develop further and likely to move west-northeastwards near the island.

The department predicts that due to influence of this system, very heavy falls above 150 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northwestern, Southern and Northern provinces and in Anuradhapura district.

General public is requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of
Meteorology in this regard.

Meanwhile, the highest rainfall recorded during the past 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. today was in Divithura, Galle, with 166 millimeters. 

The Menikkanda Tea Estate in Galle received 149 millimeters, and the Ellakanda Estate in Galle recorded 141 millimeters. The Colombo District recorded 133 millimeters of rain.

The Department of Meteorology has also cautioned the fishing and naval communities to pay close attention to weather conditions over deep and shallow sea areas surrounding the island.

Wind speeds could increase up to 55–60 kmph at times over sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota, and up to 50 kmph at times in sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Kankesanthurai, Mannar, and Colombo to Galle, it added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation reported that 14 reservoirs continue to spill due to heavy rainfall, while water levels of several rivers are rising rapidly.

Director of Hydrology and Disaster Management, L. S. Sooriyabandara, said that significant rainfall has been recorded in the Thanamalwila catchment area, near Kirioya.

Meanwhile, the The National Building Research Organisation says that the landslide warnings issued for 11 districts remain in effect. The affected districts are Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura.

The Kandy and Kegalle Districts are under Level 2 warnings, indicating an elevated risk.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has urged residents in these areas to remain vigilant over possible landslides, rockfalls, and ground subsidence due to the prevailing heavy rains.

Furthermore, the Police have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving under prevailing rainy conditions.

According to Police, motorists are advised to maintain a controllable speed and avoid driving recklessly during heavy rain.

E.M.A.L. Udaya Kumara, Assistant Director of Disaster Management for the Badulla District, has advised motorists to keep their headlights on while driving in areas affected by fog within the district.