The Department of Meteorology, issuing a special advisory for heavy rain, stated that due to the atmospheric disturbance developing to the southeast of Sri Lanka, showery conditions are likely to get enhanced over the Northern, Eastern, North Central, and Uva Provinces during next few days leading to 30 October. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Eastern, Northern, and Uva Provinces and the Polonnaruwa District, and heavy falls of about 100-150 mm are likely at some places in these areas. The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. When inquired whether the dry spell had ended with the heavy rainfall that is experienced across the island, Disaster Management Centre Assistant Director Pradeep Kodippili stated: “With the increasing rainfall experienced across nine districts over the past few days, it was reported that some of the areas that were experiencing drought too had received above-average rainfall. We are yet to gather data from the drought-affected areas.” Kodippili also noted that a total of 6,183 persons from nine districts were affected by the inclement weather and 195 persons from Mannar Town are sheltered in one safe location due to the flood situation they experienced on 25 October. The inclement weather affected vegetable cultivation in Naulla, Matale. The farmers were unable to harvest their yields prior to the rains and have now incurred a considerable loss due to that. The biggest stock of vegetables is supplied from this cultivation and the country would experience a vegetable shortage in the coming days, according to the Department of Agrarian Development. The Thabbowa, Rajanganaya, Kala Wewa, and Angamuwa reservoirs had opened several sluice gates with the increment of water in storage. The Irrigation Department and the area police had advised people living downstream to be vigilant of the rising water levels. Furthermore, the Police had advised that people visiting the reservoirs to watch the spills should choose safer grounds to view it and if they choose to take river baths, they should be vigilant about the rising water levels as well. Due to the predicted heavy rains over the next days, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) too had issued early landslide warnings to the public. The Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, and Badulla Districts have been identified as potential risk areas. The public has been advised to be vigilant of any pre-landslide signs and if observed, are advised to immediately move from the area and keep the District Disaster Management Centre notified about impending landslides. – Sarah Hannan