Heavy rains in many areas; showers in the evenings
Up country train services disrupted by landslides, warnings for several areas
The Meteorological Department yesterday forecast thundershowers in several areas over most provinces after 1.00 p.m., with warnings of heavy showers of about 100 mm in some areas of the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western and Uva provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.
Train services on the up country railway line were disrupted yesterday due to a landslide close to the railway track at Uduwara in Hali Ela.The earth slip occurred between the Hali Ela and Uduwara train stations, according to the Railway Department
The department's Director General Athula Karunanayake said evening thunder showers could be expected in most parts of the country. With the North East monsoon being active he said rains could be expected in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country as well.
Morning rains could be expected after December 15, over the North East, Uva and North Central provinces, in addition to evening showers.
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal last Sunday intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Michaung.' As a result coastal Tamil Nadu in India was hit by heavy rains and strong winds inundating many parts of the State. Mr. Karunanayake said the cyclonic storm had shifted its focus towards India and Sri Lanka
would be unaffected.
A few showers might occur in the Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern provinces during the morning too. Misty conditions could be expected at some places in the Uva province and in the Ampara district in the morning.
Meanwhile, with the prevailing weather conditions, Nuwara Eliya district Disaster Management Centre Asst. Nimal Bandara advised vehicle owners to be cautious due to potential hazards associated with earth slips and misty conditions in the area, particularly places such as Hali Ela and Ambagamuwa.
Train services on the up country railway line were disrupted yesterday due to a landslide close to the railway track at Uduwara in Hali Ela.The earth slip occurred between the Hali Ela and Uduwara
train stations, according to the Railway Department.
Railway Department spokesman Nandana Idipolage said trains functioning from Badulla to Colombo were halted due to the earth slip. Railroad workers replaced the rails immediately and the upcountry line resumed operations.
However, a Badulla district disaster Management Centre official said due to the landslide risks in the area, people have been evacuated to safety locations at Koslandawatta tea factory in Dambethenna, the Poonagala Tea Factory, Bathgoda Tamil School, Udaperuwa Muslim Mosque, Galkanda Mathuwana School, Kalban Vidyalaya, Glanor Tamil School, Aluthwewa Mosque, Kanawerella Tamil College and Kanawerella College.
Moreover, the National Building
Research Organisation (NBRO) had issued a Landslide Early Warning for several districts.
NBRO Senior Scientist Wasantha Senadheera said a Level 2 or Amber Alert was issued to Hali Ela in the Nuwara Eliya district, Thumpane and Yatinuwara in the Kandy district and Balangoda and Imbulpe in the Ratnapura district.
A Level 1 or Yellow Warning was issued to other areas in the Badulla, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura and Matara districts.