10 Dec 2019 | 10:28 AM UTC
Sri Lanka: Heavy rain and flooding continue nationwide December 10 /update 1
Heavy rain continues nationwide December 10; associated landslides, flooding and transportation disruptions likely
Event
As of Tuesday, December 10, at least 10,000 people have been displaced and over 150,000 affected following heavy rain, associated flooding, and landslides in 21 districts since Saturday, November 30. According to the Disaster Management Center (DMC), at least four people were killed and 1131 houses were destroyed.
The Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology (SDM) has issued an Amber weather warning on Tuesday for the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, where lightning, wind gusts of up to 80 kph (50 mph) and rainfall between 50-75mm (3-4.5 mi) are forecast through at least the evening (local time).
More flooding, landslides, and residual power outages are likely in the affected regions over the coming days, as well as associated transportation and business disruptions.
Advice
Individuals in Sri Lanka are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions and flight reservations before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
