Extreme Weather: Red Alert Warning Issued for Heavy Rain

The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Alert Warning for Heavy Rain. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The low-pressure area located northeast of the Sri Lanka, still persist.

This system is expected to move away from Sri Lanka during the next 48 hours according to the latest weather analysis this morning.

Very heavy showers above 150mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in Northern province.

Therefore, general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by heavy rain, strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

The Irrigation Department has issued a warning urging residents on either sides of the Attanagalu Oya and Ma Oya to remain vigilant as water levels continue to rise. 

Director of the Hydrology Division of the Irrigation Department, L.S. Sooriyabandara, said that if heavy rainfall continues in the river basins tonight, there is a risk of minor flooding in surrounding areas.

He further noted that 19 major reservoirs and 18 medium-sized reservoirs across the country are currently overflowing due to persistent heavy rains. 

Meanwhile, landslide early warnings issued for 11 districts remain in effect as heavy rains continue across several parts of the country.