• Separate Bay of Bengal weather system could develop into cyclone

The Department of Meteorology has ruled out any direct threat to Sri Lanka from Typhoon Champi, but warns that a separate low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday (26), bringing increased rainfall to parts of the island. 

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Department of Meteorology Director General A.L.K. Wijemannage said that the typhoon, which had formed near the Philippines, was not expected to affect Sri Lanka significantly. 

“There will be no impact on Sri Lanka from Typhoon Champi. There might be a slight change in the wind, but we will not have a direct, major impact,” he said. 

Wijemannage dismissed the possibility of the typhoon moving towards Sri Lanka, explaining that it was generally travelling in a north to north-westerly direction and would weaken upon making landfall. 

However, he cautioned that a separate low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal could develop into a depression, followed by a deep depression, with the possibility of intensifying into a cyclone. 

The Department of Meteorology forecast that a low-pressure area which had formed near the North Andaman Island could intensify into a depression by Saturday (24), a deep depression by Sunday (25), and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday (26) morning. 

The department also noted that another low-pressure area previously located near Sri Lanka was moving westwards away from the island. 

Although the developing system over the Bay of Bengal was not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, its associated wind flow could bring increased rainfall to the south-western parts of the country over the coming days. 

Showers or thundershowers were forecast in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern, and North Western Provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara Districts, with fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm possible in some areas. 

The public has been advised to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. 

Meanwhile, Department of Irrigation Director of Water Management Eng. P.S.D. Herath confirmed that all flood warnings previously issued across the country, including those for Deduru Oya and Kala Oya, had been withdrawn. 

“There is no threat now,” Herath said, adding that no immediate flood or flash flood threats were being reported at the time of inquiry. 

However, Department of Irrigation Hydrology and Disaster Management Division Chief Engineer Chamara Yapa Arachchi cautioned that water levels remained elevated in several rivers despite a reduction in rainfall. 

“Since rainfall continues to persist, the water levels remain high in almost all rivers,” he said. 

Yapa Arachchi said that no further increases in river water levels were being reported at the time, but warned that the situation could change depending on rainfall over the coming days. 

“Given the current situation, there is no flood risk right now. However, the Department of Meteorology forecasts rain for the next few days. Therefore, there might be changes in the river water levels then,” he told The Sunday Morning. 

He urged residents in low-lying areas and communities living along riverbanks to remain alert, particularly in the wet zone and areas surrounding Deduru Oya and Kala Oya. 

Yapa Arachchi also highlighted elevated water levels around the Rajanganaya Reservoir and confirmed that the spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir remained open. “People in those areas need to be especially careful,” he said.

He further advised the public to follow updates issued by the Department of Irrigation, Department of Meteorology, and Disaster Management Centre (DMC), while avoiding risky activities in and around rivers.

Meanwhile, the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) has issued amber-level landslide warnings for selected areas in the Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura Districts. 

Yellow-level warnings have also been issued for areas in the Badulla, Colombo, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura Districts. 

NBRI Landslides Research and Risk Management Division Senior Scientist Dr. Wasantha Senadeera confirmed that no evacuation orders had been issued at the time of inquiry. 

According to the DMC’s latest situation report, 9,351 people belonging to 2,572 families across 20 districts have been affected by weather-related disasters. 

The report recorded 12 deaths, 25 injuries, and one missing person, while 1,754 houses had sustained damage, including 27 completely destroyed and 1,727 partially damaged. 

Despite the lifting of flood warnings, authorities have urged the public to remain cautious as further rainfall could trigger renewed rises in river water levels and increase landslide risks in vulnerable areas.