Death toll rises - weather extremities expected to reduce tomorrow

UPDATE

(1440hrs)

Death toll has increased to 193, and 94 still remain missing, the DMC confirmed.

The government has made a request from the public to provide water pumps.
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(1351hrs)

Number of deaths due to adverse weather conditions has increased up to 188, while 99 more remain missing, DMC said.

76,000 have been displaced by the floods, and a total of 575,000 have been affected.

According to the latest report from the Disaster Management Center (DMC), 183 individuals have been killed by the adverse weather conditions prevailing over the island, whereas 103 have been reported missing.

112 more have been injured, according to the report.

545,283 individuals in 142,811 families in total have been affected by the floods and landslides.

Ratnapura district recorded the highest number of casualties (79 deaths).

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology stated that as the cyclonic storm ‘MORA’ is expected to enter Bangladesh, the possibility for heavy rain and strong winds will be reduced in Sri Lanka by tomorrow.

However, the Department also added that, under its influence, cloudy skies, and windy and showery conditions are to be expected over the country today.

Very strong winds with a speed of about 80 kmph are therefore to be expected over the country, especially over the western slope of the central hills, and surrounding sea areas.

Showers or thundershowers may also occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, Central, Northern and North-central provinces.

Heavy rain above 100 mm can be expected in some regions, particularly in the Western slope of the central hills.

Showers or thundershowers are likely to occur in the sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambanthota via Colombo and Galle. Other areas of sea may also experience showers or thundershowers.

Winds will be south-westerly in direction and speed will be 40-50 kmph, the Met. Dept added.

The Department also warned that the sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanturai, and sea area off the coast extending from Galle to Batticaloa via Hambantota had the potential to become rough as reports indicated that the wind speed may increase up to 70-80 kmph.

The other sea areas around the island may also get rough as the wind speed can increase up to 60-70 kmph.

Naval and fishing communities are therefore requested to be vigilant in this regards.