September 21, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has stepped up its readiness for weather-related emergencies, keeping 171 disaster response teams on standby while 14 teams have already been deployed to vulnerable areas in the Southern and Western provinces.
The move comes as a low-pressure system over the Andaman Sea, to the north-east of Sri Lanka, continues to influence weather patterns across the country. Heavy rainfall has been reported in several areas, prompting concerns over possible flooding and other weather-related incidents.
In the Galle district, five teams from the Southern Naval Command have been assigned to locations considered vulnerable to flooding and other emergencies. Two teams are operating in Thawalama, while Hiniduma, Mapalagama and Nagoda each have one team stationed nearby.
The Western Naval Command has deployed a further nine teams to inland areas where assistance may be required. Ratnapura has received three teams, while Nawalapitiya, Yatiyantota and Seethawaka have each been assigned two.
The Navy said the teams are prepared to provide rapid assistance to affected communities, including support during flooding, evacuations and other emergencies should conditions deteriorate.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the weather situation, with the naval deployments intended to ensure that emergency personnel can be moved quickly if communities come under threat from worsening conditions.