Heavy rains continue

• Heavy rains up to 75mm continue in several districts
• DMC says 10,823 people from 3048 families affected by adverse weather
• Govt. sets up six safety centres to house 510 displaced

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) yesterday said a total of 10,823 people from 3048 families in 11 districts had been affected by floods, with rains expected to continue for at least one more day. The Government has set up six safety centres where 510 persons were being housed, including 127 families. Disaster Management Centre (DMC) spokesman Pradeep Kodippili said the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) had issued landslide warnings for the Ratnapura, Kalutara, Badulla, Kegalle Districts.

He noted in the Ratnapura District, landslide warnings were issued for Kuruwita, Eheliyagoda, Balangoda, Imbulpe and Opanayaka Divisional Secretariat Divisions and surrounding areas.

“In Kalutara District, landslide warnings were issued for Walallawita, Agalawatta, Ingiriya, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara Divisional Secretariat Divisions and surrounding areas. A special note for cutting failures in Mathugama, Dodamgoda, Beruwala, Kalutara, Horana were also issued,” he said.

Kodippili said landslides issued to Yatiyantota, Deraniyagala, Bulathkohupitiya and Kegalle Divisional Secretariat Divisions and surrounding areas in Kegalle District. He noted landslide warnings were also issued to Ella, Haldamulla in Badulla District.

He said comparatively less rain could be expected for the next few days. “Showers or thundershowers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Mannar and Puttalam Districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere after 1.00 p.m in the afternoon, and fairly heavy falls about 75 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces and Puttalam District.”

He noted that misty conditions could be expected at some places in Eastern, Uva and North-Central Provinces during the morning.  He requested that the public take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

He also noted that the Kelani River reached minor flood level yesterday but that the water levels were decreasing as the rain reduced.