Weather Warning: Floods and Landslides Could Increase in Coming Months

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka could face an increased risk of flooding over the coming months as heavy rainfall continues across the island and the El Niño phenomenon strengthens to unusually high levels, the Department of Meteorology has warned.

The department issued an advisory on Thursday, saying unstable atmospheric conditions in the lower atmosphere are expected to bring widespread thundershowers to many parts of the country.

Meteorologists noted that the developing El Niño conditions could significantly influence rainfall patterns over the next two months, potentially leading to flooding in vulnerable areas.

According to the Department of Meteorology, intermittent showers are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, as well as in the Matara, Galle, Puttalam, Mannar and Jaffna districts. Some areas could receive rainfall exceeding 75 millimetres, prompting authorities to urge residents in low-lying and hilly regions to remain vigilant.

The department has also warned of strong lightning associated with thundershowers and advised the public to take precautions against lightning-related incidents.

The highest rainfall recorded during the past 24 hours was in Kekirawa, where 127.3 millimetres of rain was reported.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department said water levels in several rivers are continuing to rise.

The Nilwala River at Thalgahagoda has already reached minor flood level, while the Kuda Ganga at Millakanda, the Nilwala River at Panadugama and the Attanagalu Oya at Dunamale have reached warning levels.

Landslide warnings remain in force for several areas across eight districts. Level Two landslide warnings have been issued for Maturata, Walapane, Hanguranketha and Nildandahinna in the Nuwara Eliya District, as well as Balangoda and Kolonna in the Ratnapura District.

Level One landslide warnings continue for parts of Hambantota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matale, Matara and Ratnapura districts.

The Meteorology Department has also issued a lightning advisory for the North Central, Eastern, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, together with the districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Gampaha, Colombo and Kurunegala.

At sea, thundershowers are expected in the coastal waters stretching from Negombo to Colombo and onward to Galle, with wind speeds potentially increasing to between 60 and 70 kilometres per hour during adverse weather conditions.

Director General of Meteorology Ajith Wijemannage said unsettled weather is expected to persist throughout the month, with sunny mornings likely to give way to afternoon and evening thundershowers as the country remains under the influence of the Second Inter-Monsoon period.

Adding to concerns, data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology indicates that El Niño has strengthened to exceptionally high levels, with sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific reaching 2.81 degrees Celsius above average, exceeding the previous peak of 2.76 degrees Celsius recorded in 2016.

Sri Lanka experienced widespread flooding during the 2016 El Niño event, and officials say the rapid warming currently being observed in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans could raise the likelihood of flooding and landslides in the months ahead.

Authorities have urged the public to closely follow official weather advisories and disaster warnings, warning that continued heavy rainfall could lead to flooding, landslides and other weather-related hazards across the island.