Sri Lanka could face an increased risk of floods and landslides in the coming months as heavy rainfall continues across the country and El Niño conditions intensify, the Department of Meteorology has warned.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, the department said unstable atmospheric conditions in the lower atmosphere were expected to trigger widespread thundershowers across many parts of the island.
Meteorologists warned that the developing El Niño phenomenon could significantly affect rainfall patterns over the next two months, increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas.
Intermittent showers are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the districts of Matara, Galle, Puttalam, Mannar and Jaffna. Certain areas could receive more than 75 millimetres of rainfall, prompting authorities to urge people living in low-lying areas and hilly regions to remain alert.
The department also warned of severe lightning during thundershowers and advised the public to take appropriate precautions. Kekirawa recorded the highest rainfall over the preceding 24 hours, with 127.3 millimetres.
Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department reported rising water levels in several rivers. The Nilwala River at Thalgahagoda has reached minor flood level, while the Kuda Ganga at Millakanda, the Nilwala River at Panadugama and the Attanagalu Oya at Dunamale have reached warning levels.
Landslide alerts are also in effect across several areas in eight districts. Level Two warnings have been issued for Maturata, Walapane, Hanguranketha and Nildandahinna in the Nuwara Eliya District, and Balangoda and Kolonna in the Ratnapura District.
Level One warnings remain in force for vulnerable areas in the Hambantota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matale, Matara and Ratnapura districts.
A separate lightning advisory has been issued for the North Central, Eastern, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, along with the districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Gampaha, Colombo and Kurunegala.
Thundershowers are also forecast in
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