4 killed as strong winds, heavy rains lash out across Sri Lanka

The Police said that fatalities had been reported from Galle, Gampaha and Badulla Districts while severe destruction had been caused in several areas acrossthe country.

The Disaster Management Center said that since water levels in some of the major rivers including Nilwala, Gin and Kalu rivers were rising due to heavy rains, people had been urged to be cautious and evacuate to higher grounds.

He said the police and relief teams had been advised to be on alert and help those who had been stranded or affected by the adverse weather.

The Meteorology Department, in its latest weather forecast said more heavy rains and gusty strong winds (about 60-70 kmph) could be expected over the island, and heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas could also be expected further in the deep and shallow sea areas around the island too. The Department warned fishermen from going to sea.

“The depression in the south-west of Sri Lanka has developed in to a deep depression and it is located 200 km away from Colombo. It is expected to develop further and move to the Arabian Sea area,” the weather forecast said.

The Disaster Management Center also dismissed rumors of a tsunami threat to the island which had spread panic among those living in the coastal areas.

Very heavy rain falls (about100-150mm) could be expected at some places in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Western and Uva provinces.

Meanwhile rail services were delayed in many areas due to fallen trees across railway tracks and landslide warnings. People had been urged to stay indoors.

Several houses were damaged and trees had been uprooted in several areas making roads inaccessible. Authorities had begun clean up operations amidst heavy rains.

Meanwhile the Education Ministry had ordered for schools to be closed in the Western, Southern, Uva and Central Provinces on Wednesday owing to the adverse weather conditions.