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Monsoon comes with south-west of country at risk of floods, landslides
View(s):The Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Central Provinces are at risk of flooding and landslides, if heavy showers continue as a result of the activation of the South-West Monsoon, the Met Department warned yesterday. Duty meteorologist, Channa Rodrigo said that during the activation period, usually lasting three days, there will be fairly heavy showers measuring between 80 mm. and 100 mm. accompanied by strong winds and occasional thunder.
“Once the monsoon is established, rains will continue for a week to 10 days. The south-west part of the country that includes the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Central Provinces will receive heavy showers. Strong winds will prevail island-wide,” he said.
The highest rainfall recorded in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday was 100.9 mm. from Colombo Fort.
“Colombo and surrounding areas like Katunayake and Ratmalana are receiving heavy rains. Colombo will receive heavy showers during the next few days,” he said. The Met. department also requested the public to be vigilant about strong winds and lightning.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said strong winds have damaged about forty houses in the Manmunai and Porativu Pattu areas in the Batticaloa district on Friday.
In Matara, 81 persons were taken to safe locations following a landslide in the Kotapola area.“There has been soil erosion in Palindanuwara in Kalutara and in the Kalawana area. Disaster Management officials are deployed in high risk areas. If there is a threat in the area, families will be immediately evacuated to safe areas,”said DMC spokesman Sarath Lal Kumara.
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