Adverse weather recedes but landslide warnings remain

• Thundershowers expected to continue for five provinces - Met Department
• Strong south-westerly winds predicted for the seas around the Island
• Red landslide warning remains for Ratnapura district, Amber warnings remain for 6 districts
• Navy dispatch SLN Ship Samudura to assist 30 fishing boats seeking shelter in Indonesian waters

By Asiri Fernando

The adverse weather affecting the country due to super cyclone “Amphan” lessened yesterday, but level three or red landslide warnings remained in effect for the Ratnapura district after experiencing 150mm of heavy rain. 

“If the rains continue, evacuate to a safe location to avoid the risk of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures and ground subsidence,” the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) said issuing a warning yesterday. The NBRO has advised those residing in Ayagama, Elapatha, Kalawana, Kiriella, penayake, Balangodal, Kuruwita, Eheliyagoda, Pelmadulla and Nivithigala Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSD) and surrounding areas in Rathnapura, to be vigilant and evacuate to safe areas if heavy rains persist. 

Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected particularly in Nuwara-Eliya, Kaluthara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle and Matara districts the Meteorological Department said last evening. Wind speed can increase up to 40 kmph at times over the island, the Met. department added. Residents of the six districts are advised to take precautionary measures. 

Winds in the shallow and deep waters off the coast of Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankesanturai and Galle to Potuvil via Matara and Hambantota can increase up to 60-65 Kmph at times, the Met. department warned, pointing out that strong south-westerly winds 40- 50 Kmph in the seas around the island is expected for most of today. Naval and fishing communities have been advised to be vigilant. 

Sri Lanka Navy has deployed the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) SLNS Samudura to assist distressed Sri Lankan multi-day fishing trawlers which have sort shelter in Indonesian waters due to the cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. Samudura sailed yesterday carring fuel and supplies to assist the 30 fishing vessels and to guide them back to home port.