Rain, winds affect around 120:

Thunder showers predicted in WP, Galle, Matara

Disna MUDALIGE

About120 people belonging to 33 families have been affected by heavy rain and high wind prevailing in the country with the gradually developing South West monsoon, Disaster Management Centre Assistant Director Pradeep Kodippili told the Daily News yesterday.

About 109 people belonging to 30 families have been affected by heavy rain and high wind in Mahara Divisional Secretariat (DS) Division in the Gampaha District. Ten houses were partially damaged in this area. Another 11 people belonging to three families have been affected while three houses were partially damaged in the Suriyawewa DS Division. Sixty acres of banana cultivation was also fully damaged.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department predicted that showers or thunder showers would occur in the Western Province and in Galle and Matara districts today mainly in the morning. "Fairly heavy falls are also expected at some places. Thunder showers will develop at some places during the evening or night," said Met Department Duty Forecaster Chaminda de Silva.

He also said that strong winds would occur over the island today.

He also requested the public to take adequate precautions to minimize the damages cause by lightning.