Forty five lightning deaths so far

Disna MUDALIGE

Lightning has claimed over 45 lives so far this year, Meteorology Department Duty Forecaster P G Yasaratne told the Daily News. He said that 10 persons had died last month alone after being struck by lightning. He requested the public to avoid open spaces and to take necessary precautions to prevent lightning accidents. He forecasts that thunder showers would develop over most parts of the island during the afternoon and night.

Heavy falls are likely in Eastern, Northern, North Central and Uva Provinces and along the Southern Coastal stretch during the morning too.

Meanwhile, Disaster Management Centre Assistant Director Pradeep Kodippili said that no report of a flood threat or inundation of roads was reported so far despite the heavy rainfall experienced in the country.

It was reported that the water levels of reservoirs had been rising with the rains experienced in catchment areas.

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) requested the people residing near slopes and commuters using hill side roads to be vigilant of falling rocks during the rains. NBRO Geologist R M S Bandara said that the threat of rock falling is still persistent in Alagumale hill in Matale.

Residents in 11 houses have been evacuated in this area. Minor incidents of rocks falling had also been reported near the Belihuloya Rest House in Balangoda on Wednesday.

He observed that rock falls could occur with the intense rainfall experienced during the inter monsoonal period.