The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber advisory for severe lightning in several districts across Sri Lanka, warning of thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning after 1.00 p.m. today (04).
According to the department’s Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, the advisory will remain valid until 1.00 a.m. tomorrow (05).
The warning covers Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Hambantota, Matara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Mannar, Matale, Monaragala, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura and Vavuniya districts.
Several Divisional Secretariat areas in Anuradhapura, Ampara, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Polonnaruwa districts are also expected to be affected.
The department has classified the warning as amber – be prepared, indicating a medium likelihood and medium impact.
Authorities warned that severe lightning could cause damage to infrastructure and property, disrupt outdoor activities and result in localised electrical and electronic interference.
The public has been advised to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees.
People have also been urged to stay away from open areas, including paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies, and to avoid using wired telephones and connected electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
The department further advised the public to avoid using open vehicles, including bicycles, tractors and boats, and to remain cautious of fallen trees and power lines.
In the event of an emergency, the public has been requested to contact local disaster management authorities. (Newswire)