Update on November 4: Sri Lanka continues to observe heavy Northeast Monsoon rains
Sri Lanka continues to witness widespread moderate to heavy rain across the country during the ongoing Northeast Monsoon.
As on November 3, several cities such as Puttalam has recorded 26 mm of rainfall, Pottuvil 19.4 mm, Mannar 37 mm, Trincomalee 42.5 mm, Kurungala 25.1 mm, Zafna 24 mm, Colombo 17 and Vayuniya 22 mm.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Sri Lanka will observe similar weather conditions for the next 24 to 48 hours. The temperatures in the region also continue to remain below normal. Maximum temperatures are settling between 27°C and 30°C, while minimums are recording close to 23°C.
Update on November 3: Heavy Northeast Monsoon rains continue to lash Sri Lanka
Incessant Northeast Monsoon rains continue to lash Sri Lanka. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, several parts of the country witnessed fairly widespread moderate to heavy rain on November 3.
In the last 24 hours, from 8.30 am on Sunday Puttalam has recorded 53 mm of rainfall, Pottuvil 44 mm, Mannar 37 mm, Trincomalee 26 mm, Kurungala 29 mm and Vayuniya 22 mm.
According to the latest forecast, Sri Lanka will continue to reel under similar weather conditions for a couple of days more. The temperatures in the region are currently below normal. Maximum temperatures are settling between 27°C and 30°C, while minimums are recording between 22°C and 24°C.
Update on October 31: Heavy rain hampers rescue operations in Sri Lanka
The rescue operations in Sri Lanka have been hampered due to heavy monsoon rains that continue to lash the country. Unceasing monsoon rains have exacerbated the crisis affecting more than hundred people by Sri Lanka’s deadly rains.
The Northeast Monsoon that is still active over Sri Lanka continues to give moderate to heavy rains to several parts of Sri Lanka. Places in Sri Lanka to receive heavy rain are: Colombo – 81mm, Kurungala – 7.5 mm, Puttalam – 46.5 mm, Batticaloa – 38.8 mm and Nuwara eliya – 41.7 mm.
Update on October 30: Heavy rain triggers mudslide in Sri Lanka, over 100 killed
Persistent moderate monsoon rains triggered a deadly mudslide in Badula district, Sri Lanka on Wednesday, engulfing over 140 households. As per media reports, about 100 people are feared dead and over 150 people are missing from Meeriyabedda tea plantation area.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Sri Lanka is reeling under the influence of Northeast Monsoon, and has been witnessing widespread moderate rainfall in most of its region.
As on October 30, several places across the country such as Anuradhapura recorded 29.2 mm of rainfall, Pottuvil 22.7 mm, Hambantota 24.5 mm and Vayuniya 14.0 mm.
Bad weather conditions have been hampering the relief operations, making the conditions even worse. Ten bodies have been recovered so far, as rescue operation was halted on Wednesday night due to darkness and inclement weather. Although the state authorities have intensified the search efforts on Thursday, but they have hardly got any success.
As per the officials, there is little chance of finding survivors and it is also not certain how many people are trapped in the debris. Eyewitnesses told media that some people were burried under 30ft of mud and debris.
About 500 military personnel deployed and heavy machinery have been pressed into action for speeding up the rescue operations. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, worse is yet to hit, as there is forecast of heavy widespread rain and more landslides across the region.
