The Department of Meteorology has issued red alerts for severe lightning in three districts and amber alerts for 22 districts across Sri Lanka today (28).
According to the advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 11.30 a.m., red alerts have been issued for the Monaragala, Ampara and Batticaloa districts, where thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely.
Meanwhile, amber alerts have been issued for the remaining 22 districts, indicating the possibility of lightning activity.
The Department warned that temporary strong winds could also occur during thundershowers and urged the public to take necessary precautions to minimise damage caused by lightning.
The public has been advised to seek shelter indoors, avoid standing under trees and stay away from open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
People have also been urged to avoid using wired telephones, connected electrical appliances and open vehicles, including bicycles, tractors and boats.
The Department further cautioned the public to remain alert to fallen trees and power lines and to contact local disaster management authorities in emergencies.
The advisory remains valid until 11.30 p.m. today (28). (Newswire)
