(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Due to the prevailing bad weather conditions, fishing vessels including multi-day fishing boats have suspended fishing activities until further notice, the Fisheries Department said.
The Department of Meteorology announced today that the low pressure area still persisting over the south east Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman sea area is likely to intensify further and move north-westwards and it could increase to a depression in the next 12 hours.
Fishing and naval community are requested to be vigilant regarding the weather, as the sea areas around the island can be fairly rough and the sea area extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota will be rough to very rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds up to 70-80 kmph and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers, the Department warned.
Those who are currently engaged in fishing in these areas have been advised to come to land or shelter immediately.
Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) says that there is a risk of landslides in the Galle and Matale Districts due to heavy rains.
A spokesman for the organization said that this danger has arisen in the Baddegama, Galle, Kadawathara, Akmeemana, Elpitiya, Niyagama and Bope Poddala divisions in the Galle District and the Ukuwela Divisional Secretariat in the Matale District.
The spokesperson further stated that those living in the hills and slopes in the areas should be vigilant and the residents of the places where the red announcements have been issued should go to the safe places.
