The prevailing low-level atmospheric disturbance located to the east of Sri Lanka continues to persist and is likely to develop into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours, according to the Department of Meteorology.
Under the influence of this system, cloudy skies are expected over most parts of the island, with showers or thundershowers forecast at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, Southern, and Northern provinces. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely in some areas, while other parts of the island can expect showers or thundershowers after 1.00 p.m.
The public has been urged to take precautions against strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued Level 2 landslide warnings for several areas in five districts, effective from 5:00 a.m. today (21) until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow (22), due to continuous rainfall.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that three people have died as a result of weather-related incidents reported from Peradeniya, Ruwanwella, and Thambuttegama.
In Thambuttegama, a person was swept away by flash floods triggered by heavy rain. In Peradeniya, a 72-year-old man died after being buried in a landslide near a canal, while in Ruwanwella, a 54-year-old man drowned after falling into a canal while attempting to cross a footbridge during heavy rain.
The DMC further stated that over 500 individuals from 144 families across three districts have been affected by the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
