The Department of Meteorology has warned that heavy rains may occur in many parts of Sri Lanka from next week. It has been reported that the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean and the possible atmospheric changes in the Bay of Bengal may have an impact on the country’s rainfall.
Director General of Sri Lanka Meteorological Department, Ajith Vijayamanne, while commenting on this matter, said that the rains may increase in many parts of the country in the coming week. In particular, due to the possibility of intensifying atmospheric instability in the Bay of Bengal, it has been advised to give importance to rain-related precautionary measures.
It has also been warned that there is a risk of natural disasters such as floods and landslides due to this situation. Therefore, it is imperative that people living in low-lying areas, people living in hilly areas and those in areas that are already prone to rains should keep a close watch on weather updates.
During periods of increased rainfall in Sri Lanka, road traffic, agricultural activities, fishing industry and daily life are usually affected. In particular, heavy rainfall in a short period of time can lead to rising water levels in aquifers and waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas with poor drainage facilities.
However, it cannot be assumed that all the districts of the country will receive the same amount of rain. The amount of rainfall and its impact may vary from region to region. Thus, it is important to observe official district and regional weather forecasts along with general news announcements.
Climate change in the Bay of Bengal: What is the impact of El Niño?
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon associated with above-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This can cause changes in temperature and precipitation trends in many parts of the world. This can contribute to droughts in some areas and heavy rains in others.
The impact of El Nino can also be seen in Sri Lanka’s rainfall. However, El Nino alone cannot determine the rainfall in the country. A combination of factors including monsoon, sea temperature, changes in atmospheric pressure and weather systems in the Bay of Bengal determine the nature of rainfall.
Atmospheric instability is likely to increase over the Bay of Bengal in the current scenario, weather officials have indicated. Such conditions may intensify cloud formation and thunderstorms in some cases. Due to this, it is expected that rainfall may increase in many parts of the country next week.
Meanwhile, according to the weather forecast for October 10, most parts of the country are likely to experience rain or thundershowers after one o’clock in the afternoon. Up to 75 mm of rain is expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-Western provinces, Galle, Matara, Anuradhapura and Mannar districts.
This forecast is for a specific day. Updated weather reports should be followed to determine rainfall amounts and regional impacts throughout next week.
Flood and Landslide Hazards: How Should the Public Be Prepared?
Frequent or heavy rains may increase the risk of flooding. People living near rivers, ponds and reservoirs should monitor water level changes. If water is rising rapidly in low-lying areas, it is necessary to follow the instructions of the authorities to move to safer places.
Residents of hilly areas should also watch out for signs of landslides. If you notice any changes like the appearance of new eruptions in the soil, sudden cracks in houses or walls, trees or power poles falling, don’t ignore them. In case of dangerous situation, immediately go to a safe place and inform the concerned authorities.
Avoid standing under trees and unprotected open spaces as there may be temporary strong winds during thunderstorms. In case of lightning, it is better to minimize outdoor activities and stay inside safe buildings.
Farmers can take measures to protect their crops, irrigation facilities and drainage systems. Likewise, fishermen should check marine weather forecasts and warnings before venturing out to sea.
Overall, there is a warning that the rainfall in Sri Lanka may increase due to the influence of El Nino and possible atmospheric changes in the Bay of Bengal. It is therefore necessary for the public to be aware of the risk of floods and landslides. However, the safest approach is to avoid sharing unconfirmed information on social media and act based on the announcements made by the Meteorological Department and Disaster Management Authorities.