Red alert for fishing and naval communities

Fishing and naval communities have been requested to stay away from sea due to a severe cyclonic storm developing in the Bay of Bengal that may result in very rough seas, the meteorology department said issuing a red alert this morning.

“The deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal lay centered to the northeast of Trincomalee coast about 280km. It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during next 12 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm during subsequent 12 hours. It is expected to be moving northwestwards and cross Tamil-Nadu coast during the next 48 hours,” the department said.

The coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having 2-3 metre height during next few days, the department said.

Northern, Eastern and North-Central provinces are to experience heavy rainfall (100-150mm) and strong gusty winds (60-70kmph) while other areas in the country will receive rainfall and strong winds.