- Public urged to exercise caution
The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka during the 36 hours starting from 4 p.m. yesterday (18).
Showers and thundershowers were expected across most parts of the island after 1 p.m. yesterday, with certain areas predicted to receive rainfall exceeding 100 mm.
The department said the heaviest rain was likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North Central, Eastern, and North Western Provinces, prompting authorities to urge the public to exercise caution due to potential strong localised winds, lightning, and flash flooding.
Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has extended early landslide warnings in multiple areas across 11 districts.
A Level 2 (Amber) warning has been issued for Udunuwara and Udadumbara in the Kandy District, Yatiyanthota and Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle District, and Pallepola and Ambanganga Korale in the Matale District.
In addition, Level 1 (Yellow) warnings have been issued for other areas including Haldummulla and Uva Paranagama in Badulla; Neluwa in Galle; Attanagalla in Gampaha; Delthota and Doluwa in Kandy; Mawanella, Ruwanwella, Aranayaka, and Rambukkana in Kegalle; Alawwa and Ridigama in Kurunegala; Raththota, Ukuwela, and Yatawaththa in Matale; Pitabaddara in Matara; Madagama in Monaragala; Ambagamuwa, Hanguranketha, and Walapane in Nuwara Eliya; and Kalawana, Imbulpe, Eheliyagoda, and Weligepola in Ratnapura.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated on weather developments, avoid flood-prone zones, and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. Authorities emphasise that precautionary measures, such as securing loose structures and staying indoors during heavy showers, can significantly reduce the risk of damage and injury.
The Department of Meteorology has also issued a warning for strong lightning and thundershowers affecting several parts of the island.
According to the advisory, there is a high likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by intense lightning in the Central, North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and North Western Provinces, as well as in the Ampara, Mannar, and Vavuniya Districts.
The department has cautioned the public to remain vigilant, noting that temporary strong winds may accompany thunderstorms. Residents are advised to take necessary safety measures to minimise the risk of lightning-related hazards.