By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): Very severe cyclonic storm “Mocha” over East-Central Bay of Bengal intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm and lay centred near 15.4N and 89.1E at 05.30 hours yesterday (13) and is very likely to move north-northwestwards and cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts around noon today (14), said the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology in a warning.
Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas bounded by (05N – 20N) and between (83E – 100E) until further notice.
The Centre also said it is dangerous to engage in activities in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Galle via Mannar, Kankasanthurai, Mullativu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Pottuvil, Hambantota and Matara, due to strong winds and rough seas, adding that naval and fishing communities, therefore, are urged to be vigilant in this regard.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts and fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department said in its daily weather forecast today (14).
Several spells of showers may occur elsewhere over the country, and strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times over the Island, it added.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
