By Chaturanga Samarawickrama

The prevailing showery and windy weather conditions over the island are expected to intensify during the next few days, the Meteorology Department said.  Accordingly, there could be showers exceeding 100 mm in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.   

The general public is advised to take adequate precautionary measures to protect themselves from the dangers caused by gusty winds and lightning during thundershowers.  
Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said that two sluice gates of Deduru Oya reservoir have been opened as a result of rapidly rising water levels and cautioned the residents who are living in the low-lying and vulnerable areas to be vigilant about a sudden hike in water levels.  

River water levels could rise in the event of excessive rainfall of over 100mm in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.  The DMC said minor flood situations were a warning to the people living in low-lying areas adjoining the Attanagalu Oya, Kelani River, Kalu River, Gin River, and Nilwala River, the DMC said.  

They said the water levels of these rivers have gone up considerably after recent downpours in Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.