The Department of Meteorology has issued red alerts for severe lightning in four districts and amber alerts for the remaining 21 districts of Sri Lanka, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds.
According to the advisory issued at 11.30 a.m. today (26), thunderstorms accompanied by severe lightning are likely at several places in the North-central Province and the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.
The warning will remain valid until 11.00 p.m. today.
The Met Department also warned that temporary, localized strong winds may occur during thundershowers.
The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning, including seeking shelter indoors and avoiding open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies.
People have also 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 Department further urged the public to remain cautious of fallen trees and power lines and to contact local disaster management authorities in the event of an emergency. (Newswire)
