News
Harmless algae-bearing red rain scares villagers
A harmless algae was the cause of red rain experienced in some parts of the country, Medical Research Institute (MRI) Director Dr. Anil Samaranayake said yesterday.
“It’s a moss-like fresh water algae belonging to the group ‘trachelomonas’,” he told the Sunday Times.
This week, short spells of red rain were reported in Hingurakgoda, Sevenagala, Manampitiya, Moneragala and Padiyatalawa areas, causing alarm among the public.
“Usually, this algae is green, but on multiplying, it turns red. Though microbiology tests and nano analysis are done, we cannot confirm it as being absolute, as our country does not have the facilities to test these algae specie,” Dr Samaranayake said.
According to him, studies on red rain have not shown any harmful effect on humans. The MRI will continue genetic studies on this newfound algae.
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