The low-pressure area that formed over the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka has intensified into a deep depression as of this morning (08).
According to the Director of the Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Meteorology, Merril Mendis, the system is currently located about 300 km southeast of Pottuvil and is expected to approach the eastern coast within the next few hours.
Under the influence of this system, showers are expected in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Central and Uva Provinces, as well as the Hambantota District. Rainfall may exceed 100 mm in some areas, particularly in the Eastern Province.
Strong winds of 50–60 km/h are also expected across the island, with higher intensities in parts of the Eastern, Central and Uva Provinces, Mendis said.
In view of the prevailing conditions, naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into both deep and shallow sea areas around the island until further notice, effective today (08).
Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation has warned of enhanced rainfall in river basins located in the Uva, Eastern, Central, North Central and Northern Provinces, based on forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology.
According to an early advisory, there is an increased risk of flooding in river basins across the Ampara, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Jaffna districts. Residents in low-lying areas along river valleys and near rivers in these districts have been urged to remain highly vigilant.
Relevant disaster management authorities have been instructed to treat the advisory with the utmost priority and to implement all necessary preparedness and mitigation measures.
Additionally, people living in areas where landslide red alerts have been issued by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) have been advised to move to safer locations.
To respond to potential emergencies, around 80 Sri Lanka Army teams, along with Navy boats and Air Force helicopters, have been deployed in areas including Veravil, Palavi, Ratmalana, Hingurakgoda and Anuradhapura. The Sri Lanka Police and the Department of Civil Security are also on standby for emergency response.
