|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Monday, 27 September 2004 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
by E. Weerapperuma The prevailing wet weather pattern is likely to worsen in the coming days with inter- monsoonal rains due from the beginning of October. The Meteorology Department yesterday warned of torrential rains accompanied by heavy gusts with the arrival of October which usually heralds the inter monsoonal flow. There will be inter-monsoon rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, department sources added. The heavy rain being experienced is mainly due to the weakening of the South Western monsoon and the commencement of the inter-monsoon flow that causes certain disturbances in the low level atmosphere. Meteorologist D.J.A Weerawardene told the Daily News that some parts of the country would experience fairly heavy showers accompanied by thunder. Fishermen have also been told to avoid venturing out into rough seas due to high velocity South Westerly winds of speeds of 30 km per hour, sources said. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Services has called upon to assist drought and floods victims due to heavy rains in different parts of the country. Social Services Department sources said this was the first time that the Department has been called to help of drought and flood victims. The Government has also alerted authorities about possible landslides while Irrigation Department officials warned of heavy floods if the rains continue. The Department is monitoring water levels of the Kelani river and Kalu Ganga. Experts who had done studies on landslides are of the view that districts like Kalutara and Ratnapaura might experience landslides if the rains continue. They said officials should take note of the development and be ready for any eventuality. "The officials should identify the likely areas that would be affected with heavy downpour and move families for safety". They said one could read signs of landslide by observing Natures reactions. "If after a long drought there is a fairly heavy rain of over 75 millimetres within five hours, that should be our concern. If coconut trees, and arecanut tress lean to a side, cracks emerge on the surface of the earth lamp-posts and telephone posts slide towards lakes and cracks are found on buildings, all these foretell of a possible landslide," the experts said. The Automobile Association sources said some roads in Aluthgama-Matugama were under water and light vehicles would find it difficult to pass roads at Nagalakanda 4th milepost and Moonamalwatta. Although many parts of the country experience heavy rains, areas within the North Central Province and North Western Province was only minuscule. These areas are still affected by drought. Meanwhile morning showers will prevail at several places in the Southern half of the country Showers or thundershowers will be experienced in the island during the afternoon and showers will spread to the West, sources said. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
