Fishermen advised not to venture out to sea

Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture out to sea until further notice due to adverse weather created by a low pressure system in the Bay of Bengal. 

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) stated that the Met Department low pressure system that has developed in the sea off the South-East of the Bay of Bengal could bring thundershowers in the shallow and deep seas around the island. The Met Department also warns that wind speeds could suddenly increase between 60-70 kilometres per hour. 

The Met Department also warns that seas could rise up to 2-2.5 metres along the coast from Mannar to Colombo, Galle, Hambantota and up to Pottuvil. This could result in waves coming ashore. 

The DMC asks people to be vigilent regarding the situation and act according to instructions issued by the DMC. 

The public can also call the DMC's 117 hotline for inquiries related to disaster situations that may occur owing to the prevailing adverse weather.