More rains expected as South West monsoon gathers momentum

Chamikara Weerasinghe and Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: The heavy rains experienced in most parts of the country for the last few days is expected to prevail during the next 36 hours. This condition is due to a low level atmospheric disturbance which has developed above Sri Lanka. Met Department sources said adding that the South West monsoon which was low key has gathered momentum which has added to the present unpredictable weather conditions.

Due to the prevailing disturbed conditions, rain accompanied by thunder at times will continue especially in the Southwestern parts of the country.Fairly strong winds will also occur at times in the Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern and Central Provinces.

Winds will be from a Southwesterly direction with speeds ranging from 30-50 km\h which may increase up to 70 km\h at times. The Seas around the island will be rough. Met Department sources said adding that fishermen specially in the Southern coastal areas should be vary about the prevailing conditions.

Meanwhile, Director, Disaster Management, D. N. Hettiarachchi said that the Ministry was all keyed up to face an emergency disaster situation. "We have issued instructions to district secretaries to inform any flood situation or any landslide if it should occur in their districts so as to provide necessary help if needed," he said.

"Emergency preparedness is at its best this time to face any situation," he said.

The Ministry has also opened an Emergency Disaster Operation Centre to deal with any disaster situation. "The centre will be operative 24 hours a day and will be open for disaster calls on tel. 2431579, he said.

"We are equipped with tents, boats, generators, medical items, dry rations and even artificial toilets to face an emergency," Hettiarachchi said.