Low-Pressure Area To Develop Over the Island; Rain and Landslide Warnings Issued

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Department of Meteorology says that the atmospheric disturbance over the island may develop into a low-pressure area today.

Senior Meteorologist Malith Fernando stated that an increase in rainfall is expected due to this.

He stated that the effects of the low-pressure area are expected to prevail over the island during the 11th, 12th, and 13th of May.

Accordingly, showery conditions are expected to prevail, and an increase in wind speeds in coastal areas is expected.

Senior Meteorologist Malith Fernando emphasized that this condition is established as a pre-monsoon condition, whereas monsoon conditions are expected around the 20th of May.

Meanwhile, Senior Geologist of the National Building Research Organisation, Wasantha Senadheera, urged people living in landslide-prone areas to remain extremely cautious.

Senadheera stated that landslide warnings have been issued for Passara in the Badulla District, and for the Badalkumbura and Wellawaya areas in the Monaragala District.

The Chief Engineer of the Hydrology Division of the Irrigation Department, Chamara Yapa Arachchi, stated that spill gates of nine major reservoirs have been opened.

He stated that eight spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir in Anuradhapura have been opened, and water is being released into the Kala Oya at a rate of 9,300 cubic feet per second.

Four spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir have been opened, with water being released at a rate of 5,500 cubic feet per second.

Six spill gates of the Lunugamwehera Reservoir in Hambantota have been opened, with water overflowing at a rate of 4,000 cubic feet per second.

Six spill gates of the Weheragala Reservoir in Monaragala have been opened, with water overflowing at a rate of 1,400 cubic feet per second.

Meanwhile, the Chief Engineer of the Hydrology Division of the Irrigation Department, Chamara Yapa Arachchi, stated that flash floods may occur in waterways in hilly areas, and advised the public to remain cautious when bathing in rivers and streams.