The Department of Meteorology has issued red alerts for severe lightning in 10 districts and amber alerts for 15 districts, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by severe lightning in several parts of Sri Lanka.
According to the advisory issued at 11.30 a.m. today (22), the warnings will remain in effect until 1.30 a.m. tomorrow (23).
The Met Department stated that thunderstorms accompanied by severe lightning are likely at several places in the Central, Eastern and Uva provinces, as well as the Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts.
The advisory also warned of temporary, localised strong winds during thunderstorms.
The public has been urged to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by lightning activity.
The Department advised residents to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees. People have also been warned against remaining in open areas, including paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies.
The public has further been advised to avoid using wired telephones and connected electrical appliances during thunderstorms, as well as open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors and boats.
The Met Department also warned of the dangers posed by fallen trees and power lines.
Members of the public requiring emergency assistance have been advised to contact their local disaster management authorities. (Newswire)
