News Today: Rain Reduction After October 17th Weather Forecast

The Meteorology Department has announced that a significant reduction in the current adverse weather conditions is expected after October 17th, bringing relief to several parts of Sri Lanka. While showers and thunderstorms are still forecasted in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, and Northern Provinces, along with Galle, Matara, Kandy, Trincomalee, and Nuwara Eliya districts today, the rainfall is expected to be significantly less than the previous days.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that yesterday’s severe weather has caused significant impacts across 13 districts, affecting 134,484 individuals from 34,492 families. The worst-hit district, Gampaha, saw 82,839 individuals and 20,553 families affected. Tragically, three fatalities have been reported.

At a media briefing, K.G. Dharmathilaka, Additional Secretary of Disaster Management at the Defence Ministry, noted that 2,470 families, comprising 10,369 individuals, are currently being sheltered in 79 emergency accommodations. The government has been providing essential supplies, including cooked meals and medical aid, along with two daily servings of milk tea for children in the shelters.

The government has allocated Rs. 33 million to the District Secretaries of the most affected areas, including Gampaha, Puttalam, Kalutara, and Colombo. Additionally, Rs. 84 million has been allocated to other affected districts. The Disaster Management Ministry has reserved Rs. 60 million for future needs and is ready to release more funds if necessary.