Extended Period of Rain and Strong Winds Throughout November

The Sri Lanka Meteorological Department has issued a warning indicating that heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, which began in the evening, are expected to persist until the end of November.

According to meteorologist Janaka Kumara, today, regions including the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, and Uva provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara districts, may experience up to 75 mm of rainfall. Additionally, misty conditions are anticipated during the morning hours in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva provinces.

Following the recent bout of strong winds and rainfall, which affected multiple areas, including Colombo on Tuesday (7) evening, authorities have successfully cleared fallen trees that were obstructing main roads and by-roads. The Colombo Fire Brigade reported that numerous roads in Colombo were temporarily blocked by uprooted trees, but these obstacles were removed overnight. The Disaster Management Centre confirmed that 32 trees were uprooted in the Colombo city alone, leading to heavy traffic in the city on the previous night.

In another incident, the Badulla-Colombo main road was temporarily blocked due to the collapse of an earthen mound in the Haputale area. The debris has since been cleared, allowing traffic to resume as usual.

Sri Lanka Railways has also restored train operations on the Kelani Valley line, which were disrupted due to uprooted trees in the Maradana area.

The Director of Hydrology & Disaster Management at the Department of Irrigation, S. P. C. Sugeeshwara, has reported that the Deduru Oya, Attanagalu Oya, and Nilwala River remain at minor flood levels, urging continued vigilance and preparedness in affected areas.