At least 140 houses were damaged when a tornado ripped through several villages on the coast of Puttalam on Wednesday. Officials estimate the damage at Rs. 40 million.
The mini-tornado struck the north-west coast at about 6.45 am on Wednesday. At least three persons were injured, officials say.
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| The dawn weather ‘attack’ from the Indian Ocean caused more than Rs. 40 million in damage |
Residents said the winds blowing off the Indian Ocean lasted for about two minutes, causing panic among the villagers, who fled their homes.
The tornado was also felt further inland, in the neighbouring Kurunegala district, where several houses were damaged in Ambanpola.
Frightened Puttalam residents took refuge inside churches, temples and schools. Most of them have returned to their homes. The areas most affected were Jayabima, Egodawatte, Wattakaliya and Thalidiyalla. The local authorities and non-government organisations are helping the villagers to repair their homes.
As far as officials are aware, this was the first such tornado experienced in the Puttalam district.
According to S. R. Jayase-kera, deputy director, Meteo-rology Department, the mini tornado was caused by a rare weather condition known as a cumulonimbus cloud, which is accompanied by thunder and lightning. |
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