• Police and tri-forces are being kept on alert with the necessary equipment to carry out rescue operations if the need arises

By Yohan Perera  

The adverse weather conditions that are prevalent in the country had already taken the life of a student when a boat capsized in the sea off Galle yesterday.  

Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said an operation is under way to recover the body.  
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology said the deep depression that lay centered near latitude 16.3N longitude 89.7E, which is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and the Southwest Monsoon conditions which is gradually establishing in the country, is to bring in surging tides, showers which would exceed 100mm and strong winds during the coming days.  
“The depression which is expected to convert into a severe cyclonic storm is very likely to move north-westwards and reach near west Bengal coasts around 26th May,” the Department said. Heavy showers or thundershowers and sudden roughness, associated with sudden increase of wind speed up to 50-60 kmph is high in deep and shallow sea areas around the island during the next few days as a result of the cyclonic storm. There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Galle via Colombo may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having (2.5-3.0) m height,” the Department added.   

Heavy falls above 100 mm are expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in the coming days. Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and North-Central provinces. Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night. Those living in the hill country and along the slopes were asked to be vigilant for landslides. “Look out for cracks on the walls and on grounds and also for water sprouts that would appear suddenly,” the DMC said.   
Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said the police and tri-forces are being kept on alert with the necessary equipment to carry out rescue operations if the need arises.  The Department of Irrigation said the water level of Kalu Ganga was rising and the people living along the banks of the river are expected to be vigilant.