A depression in the Bay of Bengal sea area

Due to the low-pressure depression formed in the Bay of Bengal sea area to the southeast of Sri Lanka, adverse weather conditions have been created in many parts of the island. According to the forecasts of the Department of Meteorology, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in the Uva, Eastern, Central, North Central, and Northern provinces. Therefore, the Department of Irrigation announces that there is a risk of flood conditions in the river basins flowing through the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, and Jaffna.

This low-pressure depression was located about 490 km southeast of Pottuvil by around 11:30 PM yesterday (07), and there is a strong tendency for it to intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours. This system, moving west-northwestwards, is expected to reach the eastern coast of the island within the next 24 hours.

The Department of Irrigation points out that due to the prevailing heavy rainfall, 35 major reservoirs and tanks in 11 districts of the island have already reached spill level or had their spill gates opened. Therefore, people living in the relevant river basins and low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant about the risk of floods.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, the Department of Meteorology strongly advises the fishing community to refrain from engaging in fishing and naval activities in the deep and shallow sea areas around the island from today (08) until further notice. Especially, waves in the sea area from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil can rise between 2.5 and 3.5 meters, and the sea areas can become very rough at times.

The sky in most parts of the island remains cloudy, with heavy rains exceeding 100 mm expected in some places in the Eastern and Uva provinces, and significant rainfall in other areas. Furthermore, as wind speeds can occasionally increase up to 50-60 kmph in several provinces, including the Central Highlands, the public is requested to be vigilant about lightning hazards and strong winds.