On Wednesday, October 11, the Department of Meteorology issued a ‘Amber’ colour advisory for thundershowers and strong lightning in a number of locations around the island.
The Department issued a warning this afternoon stating that several locations in the North-Central, Eastern, Central, and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Badulla, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar districts during the evening or night, are likely to experience thundershowers along with severe lightning.
The Meteorology Department also cautioned the populace about the potential for brief, localised strong winds during thundershowers and urged them to take the necessary steps to limit any potential harm from lightning activity.
Following steps should be taken by the general public in the event of intense lightning
• Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities
