Severe lightning warning issued

The Meteorology Department had issued an advisory for severe lightning and advised people to take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves from lightning.

 According to the advisory issued Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North Western and Southern provinces and in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mannar districts during the evening or night.

The advisory also cautioned people that there could be temporary localized strong winds during thunderstorms where the people are requested to take precautions to minimize damages.

Therefore the people were advised to Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees, Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms, Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms, Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc, Beware of fallen trees and power lines, For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.