Advisory for severe lightning and heavy rain issued to Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-western provinces and Galle and Matara districts

The natural hazards early warning center has warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning is likely to occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara district.

The advisory issued at 12.30 p.m. on 22 November 2023 is valid until 11.00 p.m. 22 November 2023.

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
• 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.