Met. Dept. warns of cyclonic storm “AMPHAN”

• Wind speed can be increase up to (50-60) Kmph at times over the island

By Yohan Perera, Sheain Fernandopulle and Ajithlal Shanthaudaya - Ratnapura   

The deep depression over south-east Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood, has intensified into a Cyclonic storm “AMPHAN” (pronounced as UM-PUN) and is expected to become more severe, Department of Meteorology said yesterday.   

“The storm lay centred at 2.30 am of yesterday (17), near latitude 11.3°N and longitude 86.1°E, about 610 km North-east of Trincomalee. It is very likely to intensify further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by today.   
It is very likely to move north-northwest wards initially and then re-curve north-northeastwards towards West Bengal coast during May 18 to 20,” the Department warned.   

“Due to the influence of the system, the prevailing showery condition over the island particularly in the south-western part is likely to continue further. Very heavy showers above 150 mm are likely at some places. Wind speed can be increase up to (50-60) Kmph at times over the island. Cloudy skies can be expected over the island, the Department added.   

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said the water levels of main rivers and tanks have receded and reached normal levels.   

However, one sluice gate of Deduru Oya and Kukule Ganga were kept open yesterday as well.   
Landslide warnings in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Kegalle, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Matale still revealed. Security forces, police and officers of DMC were on alert to face any emergency situation.   
National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned that seven areas in the Ratnapura District were endangered with earth slides and landslides.   

The NBRO warned that Pelmadulla, Ratnapura, Nivithigala, Elapatha, Kalawana and Kiriella divisions had experienced a more than 100 mm rainfall by yesterday afternoon if the inclement weather persisted, it would result in caving, rock falling and earth slips.   

The NBRO’s announcement said that Eheliyagoda, Kuruvita and Ayagama divisions had experienced a 75 mm rainfall by yesterday afternoon and that the people should be cautious of possible earth slips.   

Meanwhile, the water level in Kalu Ganga as indicated by Muwagama Irrigation Department water gauge stood at six feet yesterday afternoon.