• Easterly wave to enhance rainfall
• Over 1.3m affected by Cyclone Ditwah

The Department of Meteorology has warned that showery conditions are expected to intensify across the island from tomorrow (16) under the influence of an easterly wave.

In its weather forecast for today (15), issued at 2.00 p.m. yesterday (14), the Department stated that several spells of showers are likely in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva, Central, and North-Western Provinces. Showers or thundershowers may also occur at several places in other parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds, ranging between 30–40 kmph, are expected at times over the eastern slopes of the central hills, as well as in the Northern, North-Central, and North-Western Provinces, and in the Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Monaragala districts. Misty conditions are also likely during the early morning hours in parts of the Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces, and in the Galle and Matara Districts.

The general public has been advised to take necessary precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.

With regard to sea conditions, the Department stated that showers would occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in other surrounding sea areas during the evening or night.

Winds will be north-easterly at speeds of 30–40 kmph, with gusts increasing up to 50–55 kmph at times in sea areas off the coast from Kalutara to Trincomalee via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Sea areas along these stretches are expected to be rough at times, while other sea areas around the island will remain moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), issuing a situation report as of 5.00 p.m. yesterday, said the impact of natural disasters caused by Cyclone Ditwah remains severe across the country.

According to the DMC, a total of 1,344,898 persons belonging to 385,093 families have been affected due to natural disasters caused by the Cyclone. The death toll stands at 644, while 183 persons remain missing. Fully damaged houses number 6,163, with a further 112,171 houses partially damaged. The DMC stated that 766 safety centres are currently in operation, sheltering 70,359 people from 22,638 families.