24 Mar 2024 | 01:45 PM UTC
Sri Lanka: Fire occuring at textile shop in Wellawatte area of Colombo on afternoon of March 24.
Authoreties responding to fire at textile shop in Wellawatte area of Colombo, Sri Lanka, afternoon of March 24.
Emergency crews are responding to a fire at NOLIMIT textile store in the Wellawatte area of Colombo on the afternoon of March 24. The nature of the incident and casualty figures remained immediately unclear. Black smoke has enveloped parts of Galle Road. Officials have sent at least seven fire engines to control the fire and will likely provide updates over the coming hours.
Heightened security is likely to continue near the affected area. Authorities may restrict access to nearby roads to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles. Officials may also mandate additional building evacuations and business closures in the vicinity as a precaution until clearance operations and investigations end.
Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water. Heed all official instructions, including evacuation orders.
