(UTV|COLOMBO) – The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for 7 districts in the island, due to the prevailing inclement weather.
Accordingly the warnings which were issued at 8.30pm last night for the Ratnapura, Nuwara-Eliya, Kegalle, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts, remain in effect until 2.30 this afternoon.
Authorities have also warned the public to remain vigilant of landslides, collapsing slopes, falling rocks and the ground caving in, if rainy conditions in the relevant districts continue.
The Disaster Management Centre last night urged the pubic to immediately evacuate from the Ratnapura, Alapatha, Kiriella and Ayagama Pradeshiya Sabha owing to rising water levels of the Kalu River.
Deputy Director and Media Spokesman of the DMC Pradeep Kodippili said until the water levels of the Kalu Ganga, particularly in the Ratnapura district recede; the public who evacuated from affected areas must continue to remain in safe zones until further notice.
He said several reports of fallen trees and branches were recorded, however no personal injuries were reported, though obstructions to roads were reported from several districts across the island including Colombo and Kalutara.
Meanwhile spill gates of the Kotmale, Laxapana, Wimalasurendra and Canyon reservoirs have been opened due to the incessant rains experienced in these areas.
Residents around the Kelani and Kalu Rivers have been urged to remain cautious of possible rising water levels.
Furthermore interruptions to the power supply were reported in several areas owing to trees falling on electricity lines.
The Ceylon Electricity Board said power cuts were reported from the Kalutara, Matara, Ratnapura, Nuwara-Eliya, Kottawa and Nugegoda areas, however the CEB stated the power supply has been restored to the relevant areas as of now.
Meanwhile The Department of Meteorology says prevailing windy conditions over the country and surrounding sea areas and rainy conditions, particularly in the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts are likely to continue today.
Very strong winds up to (70-80) kmph are expected over the island, particularly in the Western, Southern, Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in the Trincomalee district, while strong winds up to (50-60) kmph are expected elsewhere.
Showers will occur at times in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, Western, Southern and North-Western provinces.
Heavy falls about (100-150) mm are likely in the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts.
Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are also anticipated in the North-Western province and in the Colombo and Gampaha districts.
Showers will occur in several areas elsewhere as well.
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