News Today: Six deaths and widespread damage as adverse weather impacts Sri Lanka

The ongoing inclement weather caused by the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has tragically claimed six lives, with 17 injuries and six individuals reported missing. Affected districts include Puttalam, Badulla, and Ampara.

As of now, 330,894 individuals from 98,635 families have been impacted, with 16,553 people from 5,305 families relocated to 183 safe shelters nationwide. Additionally, 82 houses have been completely destroyed, and 1,465 have sustained partial damage. Over 59,997 people from 17,635 families have sought refuge with relatives.

The weather system, currently 100 km northeast of Trincomalee, may intensify into a cyclonic storm, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Northern Province and Trincomalee district. Rainfall exceeding 150 mm is forecasted in these areas, with other regions expecting significant precipitation and wind speeds of up to 70 km/h.

The Meteorology Department advises the public to take precautions against potential damage from strong winds, lightning, and thunderstorms.