Met Department says:

Beware of lightning

Take precautionary measures to minimise damage:

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The general public are requested by the Meteorological Department to take adequate precautionary measures to minimise the probable damage which could be caused by lightning due to the prevailing thunder showers that are being experienced throughout the country.

The Met Department said thunder showers will develop in several areas in Sabaragamuwa, Uva, North-Central and other provinces. In addition fishermen have also being warned to guard against lightning hazards while engaging in their fishing activities. According to the Met Department there will be showers or thunder showers in several places in the coastal areas around the island.

Meanwhile, National Building Research Organization (NBRO) warned residents in hilly areas to be on the alert as there is a possibility of landslides due to the prevalent monsoon rains. As experienced in the past landslides result in considerable property loss and deaths annually.

The residents in the hilly areas especially those who are living in high vulnerable areas should take precautionary steps during continuous rains to avoid probable disasters. According to the NBRO, residents of landslide prone areas should be on continuous alert. However since the prevalent inter-monsoon rains are affecting various parts of the country it is impossible to point out specific risk locations. Even though, as there is more rainfall to hill country areas including Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle and Ratnapura, the residents of such areas should be extra vigilant. Disaster Management Centre official pointed out that landslides are reported during this period each year. But general public are also duty bound to be on the alert to mitigate landslide damages.