Heavy rains curtails elections election campaigns

Election campaign meetings and canvassing were interrupted in several districts today due to adverse weather conditions as the Meteorology Department predicted more rains.

The Department warned that several spells of showers may occur in Northern and North-central Provinces and in Trincomalee district within the next 36 hours.

Several provinces faced flash floods, earth slips and incidents of trees falling due to showers.

Thunder showers were reported from Badulla, Puttalam and Kandy areas on Friday.

Candidates were forced to cut short election meetings and their campaigns as a result of the rains with several roads underwater.

With the election due to end by Monday midnight most parties have organized several campaign meetings over the weekend.

According to the Meteorology department’s forecast for the next 36 hours showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central, Uva and Southern provinces in the evening or night.

The Metrology department also predicted that misty conditions could be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

They requested the General public to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thunder showers .

Deputy Director (Forecasting) of the Meteorology Department Meril Mendis explained that due to inter monsoonal seasons rain can be expected during the upcoming week.

 He added that though rainy conditions would be reduced on Monday and Tuesday but expect the rainy condition to intensify after Wednesday.

Mr Mendis pointed out that showers and Thunder showers which occur during the evening could intensify.

The north western province received heavy rains on Friday, this led to flash flood situation in many areas as roads and by roads were inundated with water.

The Puttalam District Disaster Management unit said that vehicle movements in the roads and by roads were affected due to flooding.

According to District Disaster Management unit the rainfall caused flooding on the Puttalam – Colombo road (areas such as Thiladiya, Karikattiya, Madurankuliya, Kiriyankalliya, Bathaluoya), Puttalam – Anuradhapura Road too was inundated with water in areas such as Sirimbhidiya, six mile post area and in Puttalam – Kurunegala road in Galkulama areas and Anamaduwa areas.

The flooding had been caused due to tanks overflowing due to heavy rains.

The Puttalam District Secretary .H.M.S. P Herath said that many houses in the district were inundated with water.
The heavy rains which occurred on Friday also affected the central province, the rains caused Akurana town and Wattegama town situated in the A- 9 road to experience flood situations. Due to floods, transportation was delayed for six hours.    

The floods not only affected the people traversing to the North eastern province as it also caused inconvenience to people who were traveling to the Matale area.

Officials point out flash floods were created as a result of people carrying out constructions filling and obstructing canals which naturally carry out flood water.

 Areas near Badulla town too was subjected to heavy rains and faced earth slips, toppling of trees.

The overflowing of Badulu oya caused flooded many areas including Sumanathissagama kailagoda, Badulupitiya , Hanwella, Deiyyanewela. Most houses in the areas were inundated with water.

According to Badulla District Secretary, Panduka Sri Prabath Abeywardena said that 155 persons of 45 families have been displaced due to adverse weather situations.

By Kasun Warkapitiya

Additional reporting and Pictures by Shane Senevirtane, Hiran Priyakara and Prasaad Rukma