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Cyclone Nivar moves away leaving behind damaged homes and properties in the north
View(s):‘Cyclone Nivar’ that formed over the southern Bay of Bengal has moved away from the island, the Meteorology Department said.
Initially classified as a “very severe cyclonic storm”, Nivar weakened into a “severe cyclonic storm” after it made landfall in India.
Point Pedro was one of the affected areas. Pix by Romesh Madushanka
However, there is the possibility of low pressure forming in the southern bay of Bengal today and tomorrow with showers expected in several areas in the Uva and Central Provinces.
There is also the possibility of rain or thunderstorms in the coastal areas from Kankesanthurai to Trincomalee and Batticaloa to Hambantota.
Due to the heavy winds caused by the cyclone 5,335 people belonging to 1511 families in Jaffna District were affected.
More than 500 homes and about 60 shops and other business premises were partially damaged. Point Pedro, Karaveddy, Chavakachcheri, Kopay and Jaffna were the worst hit by strong winds and floods he added.
Jaffna Disaster Management Unit said that 12 houses in the Thumpalai area in Point Pedro in were partially damaged and measures have been taken to provide compensation for those affected
Outlining measures that were taken Jaffna district’s Disaster Management
Coordinating Unit Assistant Director N.Sooriyarajah said due to the COVID pandemic people could not be sheltered in camps due to health guidelines and they had been advised to seek shelter in neighbouring areas if they were in the path of the cycolne and if winds with gusts exceeding 80 km / h occured.
Meanwhile, health officials had also been on alert for any emergency situation.
