🔴 Extreme weather : Updates

June 5, 2024 at 12:11 AM

📌 June 5, 2024 –  9:31 AM: Five updates for Wednesday

  • Weather forecast for Wednesday:

The Met Department says several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Northwestern provinces today. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places elsewhere on the island in the evening or night.

  • Weather forecast for sea areas:

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island.

Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be 25-35 kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Mullaitivu to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil.

  • Warning for Naval & Fishing communities

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Mullaitivu to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai, Mannar, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. Naval and fishing communities are requested to remain vigilant in this regard.

  • Flood warning:

The Disaster Management Centre says the flood warning for the Kalu River basin issued on the 1st of June 2024 has been further extended for the next 48 hours today. Residents in those areas and vehicles travelling through those areas have been requested to remain vigilant.

Major floods have been reported in the Putupaula and Millakanada areas due to Kalu Ganga, while major floods have been reported in Baddegama due to Gin Ganga, and Thalagahagoda due to the Nilwala River. Minor floods have been reported in N’Street due to the Kelani River, in Ellagawa due to Kalu Ganga, in Panadugama due to the Nilwala River, and in Dunamale due to Attanugalla Oya. Yellow Alerts have been issued to the Ratnapura and Magura areas due to the Kalu Ganga.

  • Disaster Situation Report as of today (June 05):

247,406 persons from 65,777 families in 13 districts have been severely affected due to the adverse weather conditions experienced across Sri Lanka. A total of 21 deaths have been reported so far, while 13 persons have been injured and one individual is reported missing. 10,820 persons from 2592 families have been placed in 151 safety shelters as of today.

📌 June 4, 2024 –  7:57 PM: Schools remain closed in several education zones

All schools in Ratnapura Educational Zone and in Elapatha, Ayagama, Kalawana education divisions in the Nivithigala education zone will be closed tomorrow (05) due to extreme weather conditions, the Sabaragamuwa Province Education office said. 

Secretary of the Sabaragamuwa Province Education Office said that the reopening of schools will be decided based on the weather conditions over the next few days.

Meanwhile, schools in areas where flood waters have receded in the Western Province were directed to open tomorrow, by the Western Province Governor.

📌 June 4, 2024 –  5:30 PM: Seven updates on the current situation

The Met Department predicts several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces later today.

According to the department, showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places elsewhere on the island in the evening or night.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre says landslide warnings have been extended to several districts with amber and red alerts being issued to several areas.

Following are seven key updates on the current situation in Sri Lanka:

  1. A total of 159,991 individuals from 40,728 families are severely affected due to the adverse weather conditions.
  2. A total of 17 deaths are reported from 13 districts.
  3. Five (05) deaths are from the Ratnapura District, 03 from Colombo, 06 from Matara, 02 from Galle, and 01 from Gampaha.
  4. Thirteen (13) individuals are reported to have sustained injuries due to inclement weather.
  5. One person is reported missing from the Kalutara District.
  6. As of this evening, 8,180 persons from 1,795 families are placed in 122 safety shelters.
  7. Landslide warnings issued to Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara- Eliya, and Ratnapura districts, effective until 04.00 pm tomorrow (June 05).

📌 June 4, 2024 –  5:23 PM: Health guidelines issued for flood-hit areas

Sri Lanka’s Health Promotion Bureau has issued health and safety guidelines for people facing flooding in their areas due to the prevalent inclement weather conditions.

Issuing the guidelines, the Bureau emphasizes that it is essential to adhere to the health guidelines for the public to remain safe under the current situation.

The health guidelines are as follows;

Things not to do:

  1. Avoid walking or swimming in flood waters. It may contain harmful bacteria and debris that can cause injury.
  2. Don’t eat flood-damaged foods: Avoid and dispose of flood-damaged foods.
  3. Avoid exposure of children to flood waters: Keep children and pets away from contaminated water to prevent illness.
  4. Don’t ignore symptoms of illness: If you feel sick, do not delay in seeking medical attention.
  5. Avoid using contaminated water: Do not use flood water for drinking, cooking or bathing.

Things to do:

  1. Drink only safe water: Use boiled water or bottled water that has been boiled for at least 1 minute to avoid waterborne diseases. Minimize the use of water from flooded wells.
  2. Stay informed: Stay up to date with local news and weather forecasts.
  3. Removing mosquito breeding sites: Flood water can increase mosquito breeding. Therefore, identify places where water may have collected around your home and remove them.
  4. Wear protective clothing: Try to wear rubber boots and gloves whenever possible to prevent infections such as leptospirosis or rat fever when wading through floodwaters.
  5. Store food safely: To prevent food contamination, store food in areas that are not prone to flooding or store food in water-tight containers.
  6. Wash your hands: Always wash your hands with soap, especially before eating or preparing food.
  7. Seek medical advice: If you or a family member shows symptoms of illness, go to the nearest government hospital.

📌 June 4, 2024 – 12:04 PM: Parliament informed death toll increases to 26

The death toll from adverse weather in Sri Lanka has risen to 26, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon announced in Parliament.

Briefing the House on the current situation, the Minister stated that 130,021 individuals from 33,422 families have been affected by the adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka.

“So far, 26 deaths and 41 injuries related to the adverse weather have been reported. Additionally, 9,248 individuals from 2,368 families have been housed at 116 safe centers,” Tennakoon said.

The Minister rejected accusations from MPs that there were no preparations for floods ahead of the monsoons, emphasizing that preparations have been underway at the community level with the participation of village committees for several weeks.

Addressing criticisms of the Meteorology Department’s ability to accurately predict weather, Tennakoon admitted that Sri Lanka’s technological capabilities are 10 to 15 years behind.

“I accept that we are technologically backward. However, despite the economic difficulties over the past few years, a project to upgrade the Meteorology Department’s technological capabilities has not been ignored,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to provide relief to victims of adverse weather, Tennakoon said.

Responding to questions from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa about increasing allocated funds for meals for victims, the State Minister confirmed that the government has already obtained necessary approvals for this measure.

Meanwhile President Wickremesinghe also instructed that the funds allocated for World Environment Day celebrations be redirected to support those affected by the recent inclement weather.

State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Janaka Wakkumbura announced that the national celebration for World Environment Day, scheduled for tomorrow, has also been canceled.

📌 June 4, 2024 – 9:19 AM: Temporary decrease in heavy rain

A temporary decrease in the heavy rains experienced over the Southwestern part of the island is expected today, the Department of Meteorology said. 

Several spells of showers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and North-Western provinces.

Showers or thundershowers may also occur in a few other areas of the island in the evening or at night, and in sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle.

Winds will be south-westerly with a speed of 25 to 35 kmph at times from the coasts off Mullaitivu to Puttalam via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil.

The general public were requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. 

📌 June 3, 2024 – 10:45 PM: President visits flood-hit areas, orders relocation of Mulleriyawa & IDH Hospitals

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered several measures to mitigate flooding caused by the inundation of the Kelani river, as well as the relocation of Mulleriyawa and Infectious Disease Hospitals.

The President issued these orders during his visit to the communities affected by the recent floods in Kolonnawa, Kelaniya, and Ambatale on Monday.

The President instructed officials to be vigilant of illegal landfills and new constructions in the area, which contribute to the increased flood risk. He also ordered the relocation of two major hospitals, the Mulleriyawa Hospital and the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) to alternative locations.

In a post on ‘X’, the President stated that the relevant Divisional Secretaries have been instructed to initiate food distribution and prioritize the health and sanitation needs of flood-affected individuals. Swift relocation from flood-prone areas and the use of aqueducts to divert floodwaters were also recommended.

Funding will be allocated for relief efforts, cleaning operations, epidemic prevention measures (such as dengue), and the repair of damaged infrastructure, including bridges, bays, and roads, the President said. He assured that houses completely destroyed by the disaster will be rebuilt with government support within the next two months.

 

📌 June 3, 2024 – 8:09 PM: Schools closed in several education zones in Western Province

All government schools in the Gampaha and Kelaniya education zones as well as the Kaduwela education division will be closed tomorrow, (04) following a decision by the Western Province Education Direction.

The decision has been reached due to the prevalent extreme weather conditions in these areas.

📌 June 3, 2024 – 3:13 PM: Over 50 landslide incidents reported over past few days : NBRO

At least 51 incidents of landslides and the collapse of earth embankments have been reported over the past few days, Senior Geologist of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Laksiri Indrathilaka said.

“These incidents have been reported especially from the Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Matara, Galle, Gampaha, and Colombo districts, where rainfall between 150 to 300 mm was recorded over the past few days,” he said.

Two deaths have been reported from the Matara district and two deaths from the Ratnapura district as a result of landslides, the official said.

The number of incidents related to landslides is expected to be much higher over the next few days, he added.

14,500 families have been identified as residents of high-risk areas, the Senior Geologist said, urging residents of these areas to remain vigilant of landslide warnings.

📌 June 3, 2024 – 2:18 PM: Advisory issued for strong winds & rough seas

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for strong winds and rough seas for the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota.

As per the advisory effective until 10.30 am tomorrow (June 04), the Naval and fishing communities have been requested to be vigilant in this regard.

Accordingly, wind speed may increase up to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Hambanthota to Pottuvil sea areas will be rough at times.

Wind speed may increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar and in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Galle to Hambantota via Matara. These sea areas can be rough at times.

Wave heights may increase about 2.0–3.0 m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota.

📌 June 3, 2024 – 12:39 PM: Extreme weather : Death toll increases to 12

The death toll due to the prevalent inclement weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka has increased to 12, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon told the media today.

Providing an update on the current situation in Sri Lanka, he said that five of the deaths were reported in Ratnapura, four in Matara and 03 deaths in Avissawella.

Stating five persons are reported missing as of today, State Minister Tennakoon added that 87,309 persons have been affected due to the adverse weather conditions.

The State Minister said that the tri-forces and Police are deployed to assist the people facing disaster situations and in distress.

📌 June 3, 2024 – 12:34 PM: Special notice for school students

The Ministry of Education has decided to close government schools in some districts and education zones due to the prevalent adverse weather conditions.

Accordingly, all schools in the Galle, Matara, Kegalle, Ratnapura, and Kalutara Districts will be closed on Tuesday (June 04).

All schools in the Homagama Zone in the Western Province will also remain closed tomorrow.

However, all schools outside these districts will function as normal tomorrow.

📌 June 3, 2024 – 9:48 AM: Extreme weather : Seven updates

 

  • Weather forecast for Monday:

The prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue in the south-western part of Sri Lanka today. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces. Heavy showers of about 100mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and the Galle and Matara districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere on the island in the evening or night.

  • Weather forecast for sea areas: 

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island.

Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 55-65 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambanthota to Pottuvil, and wind speed may increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Galle to Hambanthota via Matara.

  • Warning for Naval & Fishing communities:

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar, and from Hambanthota to Pottuvil can be very rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Galle to Hambanthota via Matara can be rough at times. Wave heights may increase about 2.0–3.0 m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.

  • Train delays:

Delays have been reported in train services on the main line and Kelani Valley line due to inclement weather conditions currently experienced.

Signal failures have been reported between Pallewala and Ganegoda and Veyangoda and Gampaha.

Trains services on the Kelani Valley line will terminate at Waga due to a collapsed bridge.

  • Flood warnings:

There is a high possibility of a slow increase in the prevailing floods in the lowline areas of Kiriella, Millaniya, Ingiriya, Horana, Dodangoda, Bulathsinhala, Palinda Nuwara and Madurawala D/S divisions of Ratnapura and Kalutara Districts in the next 48 hours. In addition, the flood situation prevailing at upstream low-line areas of Ratnapura district will further prevail with a slight decrease. Residents and vehicle drivers running through those areas are requested to pay close attention to this.

  • Situation Report as of 06.00 am: 

10 persons have been reported dead and 06 injured, while 06 persons have been reported missing due to the inclement weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka. A total of 36,504 individuals from 9,764 families have been severely affected. 5,174 individuals from 1,381 families have been placed at 52 safety shelters as of last night.

  • President’s directive: 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to promptly allocate funds to the District Secretaries to provide urgent assistance to those impacted by the adverse weather experienced in Sri Lanka.

The President has also instructed relevant officials to collaborate with the tri-forces and the Police to reconstruct all houses completely destroyed due to adverse weather, utilising government funds, within the next two months.

📌 June 3, 2024 – 9:44 AM: Emergency hotlines established

Sri Lanka Police has established several emergency hotlines to assist the public affected by the prevalent inclement weather conditions.

Accordingly, the Police have established a Special Operations Room with the following emergency hotlines:

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre has also requested that the public affected by adverse weather conditions contact the centre for assistance.

Accordingly, the public can contact the Disaster Management Centre’s emergency hotline 117.

📌 June 3, 2024 – 9:14 AM: Weather forecast for today : More rain

Pic by : Thilina Kaluthotage

WEATHER FORECAST FOR 03 JUNE 2024

Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 03 June 2024

The prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue in the south-western part of the island today.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.

Heavy showers about 100mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere of the island in the evening or night.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

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