The Department of Meteorology today (Oct. 10) issued a ‘Red’ alert for thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning in parts of the island.
Accordingly, people in North-central, Eastern and Central provinces as well as Badulla, Kegalle, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar districts have been advised to be on alert about thundershowers and severe lightning in the evening or at night.
In its advisory, the Meteorology Department further warned that temporary localized strong winds can be expected during thundershowers.
The Meteorology Department has advised people to take following actions in the event of severe lightning;
• Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities
