Red alert for Ratnapura, other districts

The National Building Research Organization has issued a red alert for Ayagama, Rathnapura, Elapatha, Kalwana and Kiriella for the next 24 hours.

 

The NBRO said those living in the low lying areas identified by the NBRO as being prone to subsidence must evacuate immediately.

 

The Disaster Management Centre issuing a alert noted that people living in high hazard areas identified by the NBRO will be evacuated to safer ground. Warnings have also been sounded to Baddegama, Neluwa, Thawalama, Balangoda, Openayake, Eheliyagoda, Pelmadulla, Nivitigala. The highest rainfall has been reported from Ratnapura where 193.3 mm of rainfall was recorded during the last 24 hours.

 

The Meteorology Department noted that Kiriella had received 179mm of rainfall while Neluwa received 168mm. The Department predicts showers exceeding 200mm in the Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle and Matara within the next 24 hours.

 

According to the Met Department, the Super Cyclonic Storm ''Amphan'' over west-central Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood, lay centered about 1020 km North-east of Trincomalee yesterday. The Department predicts it is very likely to move north-northeastwards away from the island towards west Bengal coast during the afternoon of May 20.

 

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. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places. Wind speed can increase up to (50 to 60) kmph at times over the island. Cloudy skies can be expected over the island.

 

The DMC noted that individuals living in areas where landslide alerts have been issued must pay heed to development of cracks on the ground which may indicate ground subsidence, slanting of trees, cracks in the floors or walls of buildings, sudden appearance of springs, emerging of muddy water or disappearance of existing springs which may indicate an imminent threat of landslides.