LNP – Toll of deaths, injuries, missing persons due to adverse weather increases

The number of deaths caused by adverse weather resulting from the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has risen to six, with the number of injuries and missing persons increasing to 17 and six, respectively, the Meteorology Department reported.

According to reports, the deaths were recorded in the Puttalam, Badulla and Ampara districts, they said.

A total of 330,894 individuals from 98,635 families have been affected, while 16,553 people from 5,305 families have been relocated to 183 safe locations across the country.

The affected individuals have suffered due to strong winds, flooding, falling trees and landslides in 267 Divisional Secretariat divisions across 21 districts.

Additionally, 82 houses have been completely destroyed, and 1,465 houses have sustained partial damage. Meanwhile, 59,997 people from 17,635 families have moved to their relatives’ homes due to the adverse weather.

The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located approximately 100 kms northeast of Trincomalee as of 2:30 a.m. yesterday. It is expected to move slowly north-northwestward, approaching Sri Lanka’s eastern coast and potentially intensifying into a cyclonic storm.

Under the influence of this weather system, cloudy skies are expected across most parts of the island. Very heavy showers and strong gusty winds are forecast for the Northern Province and the Trincomalee district.

Rainfall exceeding 150 mm is anticipated in the Northern Province and Trincomalee district. Showers are also expected at times in other parts of the island, with heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm likely in the North-Central and North-Western Provinces, as well as in the Matale and Kegalle districts.

Very strong winds of up to 70 km/h are likely at times in the Northern, North-Central and North-Western Provinces and the Trincomalee district. Winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h may occur elsewhere on the island.

The public is urged to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms.