The Disaster Management Center today stated that the Buravi cyclone will move away from the island in the next few hours. The cyclone is currently moving towards the Gulf of Mannar. The cyclone entered the island between 10.30 and 11.30 last night (02). It is located on the northeastern coast of Tiriyaya and Kuchchaveli. The Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Center Pradeep Kodippili stated that the Ampara and Vavuniya Districts, which were labelled as high risk zones, were not severely affected by the cyclone. However, he stated that several steps have been taken to evict a number of unsafe families in the Vavuniya District. "Although no severe damage has been reported from the cyclone, disaster relief teams are on standby," Kodippili said. Furthermore, State Minister of Disaster Management and Home Affairs Chamal Rajapaksa stated that a sum of one million rupees has been given to each Government Agent for basic activities with regard to dealing with the cyclone. The Director General of the Meteorological Department Athula Karunanayake stated that heavy showers and winds are expected in many parts of the country today (03) due to the effects of this. "The sea level in the coastal areas from Poonaryn to Puttalam can rise up to one meter. Coastal lowlands are at risk of flooding. The sea areas off the North, North-West, North-East and West will be very rough. It is important that the Fisheries and Navy pay close attention to this," he concluded.