August 06, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Warning for severe winds and exceptionally rough sea conditions affecting several coastal waters around Sri Lanka, urging fishing and naval communities to stay away from high-risk maritime areas until conditions improve.
The warning was released by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 10.00 a.m. today (06) and will remain valid until 10.00 a.m. tomorrow (07).
Forecasters said the stretch of sea from Matara to Pottuvil, passing Hambantota, is expected to experience very rough seas, accompanied by strong wind gusts of between 60 and 70 kmph. Owing to the hazardous conditions, all fishing vessels and naval craft have been strongly advised not to enter these waters until further notice.
In addition, sea areas extending from Batticaloa to Matara via Trincomalee, Kankesanthurai, Puttalam, Colombo and Galle are likely to remain rough at times, with wind speeds expected to reach between 50 and 60 kmph.
Those already operating in these waters, including fishermen and naval personnel, have been urged to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution, as sea conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
