Ministry of Defence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

11/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/26/2024 05:28

Heavy rains and strong winds likely to increase over the island

  • Depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal likely to move closer to the island.
  • Tri Forces rescue and relief teams on standby to assist affected communities.
  • Navy relief teams deployed to several areas in Matara.
  • Heavy rains of over 200 mm likely in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Central, Uva and Southern provinces.

The heavy rains accompanied by strong winds experienced in many parts of the country due to the depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify.

According to the latest weather forecast issued by the Metrological Department today morning (Nov 26) the depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal was located to the southeast about 290km of Batticaloa and 410 km of Trincomalee at around 11.30 p.m yesterday (Nov 25).

It is likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression and move very closer to the east coast of the island.

Skies will be cloudy while showers or thundershowers will occur at times in most parts of the island.

Very heavy showers above 200 mm are likely at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Central, Uva and Southern provinces and in Puttalam district. Heavy showers of above 100 mm are likely at several places elsewhere of the island.

The highest rainfall of 191 mm was recorded from Lahugala in the Ampara district.

Strong winds of about 40-50 kmph can be expected at times over the Northern, North-central, Central and Eastern provinces and in the Hambantota district which can increase in the coming days. Strong winds can reach up to 60-70 kmph at times in the Northern Province.

The sea around the island will be rough and may turn very rough with due to winds blowing at speeds up to 60-70 kmph at times. Very heavy showers or thundershowers are likely at some places around the island.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department has issued flood warnings to low lying areas around the Mahaweli River and Heda Oya basins.

Possible Mahaweli River low-lying areas at risk include Dimbulagala, Echchilampattai, Hingurakgoda, Kantalai, Kinniya, Koralai Pattu North, Lankapura, Medirigiriya, Muttur, Seruvila, Thamankaduwa, Thampalakamam, and Welikanda Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

Low lying areas of the Heda Oya include Siyambalanduwa and Lahugala Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

The National Building Research Organization has a issued Level 1 landslide warning for several areas in the Badulla, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matale, Matara, Nuwar Eliya and Ratnapura districts.