3 killed, over 8,000 affected by severe weather in Sri Lanka
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In Sri Lanka, three people were killed and over 8,000 affected as heavy rains and strong winds lashed out across the country since Saturday.
According to the Disaster Management Center (DMC), the three deaths, caused by lightning, were 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.
DMC spokesman Pradeep Kodippili told Xinhua that heavy rain exceeding 100 millimetres had already lashed through the southern and central parts of the country.
"If the rainy weather continues, the water level of the three main rivers in the country will overflow the banks, inundating nearby areas," he said, adding that people were requested to remain alert on such disasters and should remain ready to be evacuated.
He also said people were asked to remain alert on landslides and rock falls in the central hills due to heavy rain.
Sri Lanka is facing its annual southwest 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 millimeters can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa province while heavy falls, above 100 millimeters can be expected at some places, particularly in Western Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts," according to the latest weather report.
The Meteorological Department further warned the public to take adequate precautions to minimize damage 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. Xinhua
