Heavy winds and showers cause damages across the country

Strong winds followed by heavy showers have caused widespread damages to houses, commercial and state buildings and to electricity lines in several locations in the country.

Colombo city and its suburbs are among the areas affected and local authorities backed by the police, fire brigade and the public are in the process of clearing the areas.

In Moratuwa some 20 houses were damaged overnight while Anamaduwa the police station and quarters were damaged..

Reports from the outstations also reported heavy damages to houses and public property.

The Ceylon Electricity Board said they have received more than 1000 complaints of power failures within the Colombo city and suburbs and are in the process of trying restore power supplies.

However, residents claimed that the CEB was not responding to their calls and therefore the actual number of cases of power breakdowns may be higher.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) is yet to release details of the damages caused by the heavy winds last night.

The Department of Meteorology announced today that the southwest monsoon, which has now become active over the island, may lead to a slight increase in the ongoing rainfall in the southwestern regions.

According to the statement, heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is expected in some areas, particularly in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the districts of Galle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy.

The Department also warned of strong winds reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h, especially in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Northern, North-Central, and North-Western provinces, and in the Trincomalee district.

In addition, coastal areas around the island may experience strong winds of 30–40 km/h in the coming days and the speed may increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu.

The DMC has urged the general public to remain alert to the risks of flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall and to take necessary precautions.

The public is also requested to report any disaster or emergency by calling the hotline 117.

Pic by Shirangika Lokukarawita

Pics by Hiran Priyankara