Colombo, May 20 (newsin.asia) – Three people were killed and over 8000 people affected as heavy rains and strong winds lashed out across Sri Lanka since Saturday, prompting disaster management officials to be on alert for possible evacuations, the Disaster Management Center said on Sunday.
The three deaths were caused by lightening and reported from the Eastern District of Trincomalee and in the lower central hills of Badulla.
At least 252 people had been evacuated to safer locations since last week while over 200 houses were partially or fully damaged due to the severe weather.
Electricity was also disrupted in in several areas including Kegalle, Rambukkana, Mathugama and Agalawatta.
Sri Lanka is facing its annual south west monsoons with the Meteorological Department, in its latest weather report warning of more rains in several districts across the country in the coming days.
“The Southwest monsoon conditions are getting established over the island. Very heavy falls, about 150 mm can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa province while heavy falls, above 100 mm can be expected at some places, particularly in Western Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts,” the latest weather report said.
The Meteorological Department further warned the public to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning.
Over 200 people were killed and 78 people missing when the southwest monsoons caused severe floods and landslides across Sri Lanka last year.