One dead as rains lash Lanka

Rasika Somarathna

Colombo: Sri Lankan can expect more disturbed weather conditions till December end, even though the present deluge which is a result of a low level disturbance, is expected to dissipate within the next 24 hours.

According to Meteorological Chief G.H.P. Dharmarathne, October to December is the most active period in the Bay of Bengal, resulting in more frequent disturbed weather conditions affecting Sri Lanka.

The Disaster Management Centre yesterday said that one person had died and many others were on the verge of being displaced if the rains persist. Several roads

in Galle, Kalutara, Matara, Gampaha and Colombo districts were reported to be several feet under water with traffic coming to a standstill in the affected roads.

One person died in Ihala Idibedda, Moratuwa when a wall collapsed on him due to flooding.

The Thawalama junction in Galle was reported to be under four feet of water along with the Gangasiriya area of Galle-Akuressa road. Udugama-Hiniduma road was also flooded with vehicular traffic coming to a standstill.

In addition, several Pradeshiya Sabha divisions in Kalutara had experienced minor flooding with Palindanuwara, Madurawala, Walallawita and Matugama baring the brunt. Several roads in Matara and Gampaha districts had experienced minor flooding with the situation expected to be worsened if the rains continue.

Dharmarathne said, under the influence of the low level disturbance, evening thunder storms which is normal during the present inter-monsoonal period have been enhanced, resulting in heavy rains in most parts of the country.

The Meteorology Department releasing a bad weather advisory for the next 24-hours yesterday morning said showers accompanied by thunder would be fairly widespread specially during the afternoon and night.

The weathermen also said the low level disturbance which enhanced the inter-monsoonal conditions was slowly moving towards Kerala in India and the ensuing winds could result in rough seas in the Southern, South-Eastern and Western coastal belt during the next two days.

According to Dharmarathne due to the heightened activity in the Bay of Bengal during the period, the frequency of such conditions affecting Sri Lanka would be enhanced with more showers and heavy winds being predicted during the couple of months.

In addition while not ruling out any cyclonic conditions during the period, the Meteorology Chief said if something in that nature develops, the public would be informed at least 24-hours beforehand regarding the situation.