03 Dec 2019 | 01:36 PM UTC
Sri Lanka: Heavy rain and flooding reported nationwide December 3
Heavy rain continues nationwide December 3; associated landslides, flooding and transportation disruptions likely
Event
As of Monday, December 2, at least 4,164 people have been evacuated and over 14,164 affected following heavy rain and associated flooding that also prompted landslides in nine districts since Saturday, November 30. The Puttalam, Batticalo, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya districts are reportedly the most affected.
On Saturday, around 243 mm (9.5 in) of rain were recorded in Kalutara, 172 (6.7 in) in Anuradhapura, and 188 (7.4 in) in Kurunegala.
The Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology (SDM) forecast heavy rain in the North, East, North-Central, Central, South and Uva Provinces at least through Saturday December 7. Landslide warning have been issued on Monday in the Ratpura, Badulla, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts. On Wednesday, December 4, rainfall between 100 and 150 mm (4-6 in) is forecast in Trincomalee, Batticalo, Ampara, Mullaitivu, Nuwara-Eliya, Badulla, Monaragala, Matale, Kandy, Jaffna, Mannar, Kilonochchi, and Vavuniya districts, as well as across the North-Central, Sabaragamuva, Southern and Western provinces.
More flooding, landslides, and 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.
