A total of 21,218 people belonging to 5,696 families have been affected by prevailing adverse weather conditions across the country, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The latest situation report issued by the DMC stated that residents in 109 Divisional Secretariat divisions across 17 districts have been affected by heavy rains and gusty winds.

The adverse weather conditions have claimed one life and left five people injured, while three others remain missing, the DMC noted.

Two houses have been completely destroyed, while a further 462 houses have sustained damage due to weather-related incidents.
Meanwhile, 173 families affected by the adverse weather have been relocated to safety shelters.

The DMC said authorities continue to monitor the situation as adverse weather conditions affect several parts of the country.

Moreover, the influence of very severe cyclonic storm “Arnab” on Sri Lanka’s weather has gradually weakened as the system makes landfall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh, India, the Department of Meteorology stated.

According to the Met. Department, several spells of showers are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (28).

Showers or thundershowers are also likely at a few places in the Uva Province and in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 1.00 p.m.

Meanwhile, strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph may occur at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts, the Met. Department warned.

The Department also urged the general public to take adequate precautions against possible damage caused by temporary, localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Although the influence of the cyclone on Sri Lanka is easing, the public has been advised to remain cautious in areas likely to experience adverse weather conditions.