Met Department issues CODE RED weather warning

Colombo (News 1st) - The Met. Department this morning issued a Code RED Weather Advisory for heavy rain. The warning notes the current showery conditions being experienced over most parts of the island will enhance due to the effects of a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the southeast of Sri Lanka. Very heavy showers around 200 mm are likely at some places in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Badulla, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts. Heavy showers of about 100-150 mm are likely in the Anuradhapura, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Matale districts. Fairly heavy showers of about 75-100 mm are likely in Galle, Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Kegalle and Hambanthota districts. Fairly strong gusty winds up to 40-50 kmph can be expected in North-Western, Northern and North-Central provinces as well as in the Hambanthota district. DAMAGE EXPECTED: - Heavy rains may trigger landslides in hilly areas. - Inundation in low lying areas - Uprooting of large avenue trees. ACTION SUGGESTED: - People living in hilly areas (particularly landslide-prone areas) are requested to be vigilant. - Drivers and people using roads in the hilly areas are requested to be vigilant. -  Take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Be alert on the advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology. - For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.