The Meteorology Department has predicted heavy showers up to 150mm today (31) in the Central, North Central, Eastern and Uva provinces.
“This will be a good sign for areas affected by drought,” said Meteorology Department, Director Forecaster, Anusha Warnasooriya, addressing a media briefing at the Ministry of Disaster Management yesterday.
The Disaster Management Centre issuing a warning yesterday, advised public living close to reservoirs to be vigilant, especially surrounding Rantambe, as the possibility of opening the spill gates was high given the increasing intensity of rain.
Warnasooriya explained that the rains were a result of a low level atmospheric disturbance near the island leading to areas such as Kuruduoya and Kandaketiya receiving rains above average.
On Monday, over 100mm of rain was reported from these areas in the Central Province, added Warnasooriya.
The Department had also forecasted rains over 150mm to fall in areas such as Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Ampara and areas in the Central (Nuwara Eliya and Matale) and Uva Provinces.
Areas in Sabaragamuwa, Hambantota, Southern and Western Provinces may experience rain in the evenings, she further said.
“By February 1 to 2, there would be a temporary cease of rains, but would continue after February 3 or 4,” said Warnasooriya.
The Director Forecaster also noted that there was a risk of flash floods occurring in many parts of the dry areas depending on the intensity of rain.
The National Building and Research Organization (NBRO), Landslide Unit’s, Senior Geologist, Dr Gamini Jayatissa addressing the media said the areas such as Hambantota, Nuwara Eliya, Matale and Badulla were at risk of experiencing landslides as they would receive rains over 100mm.
He said they had fixed 100 automated rain gauges in these high risk areas to measure the intensity of the rain and would issue warnings accordingly. People living in these areas have been asked to be vigilant of possible landslides during the next few days.