The Department of Meteorology issued a severe lightning advisory for 18 districts on Sinhala-Tamil New Year day, valid from 12:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on April 13.
Affected areas
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre said thundershowers with severe lightning are expected across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, North-Central and Uva provinces, as well as Galle, Matara, Mannar and Vavuniya districts. Temporary localised strong winds may also accompany the storms.
Safety guidance
Authorities urged the public to seek shelter indoors and avoid standing under trees. People were advised to stay away from paddy fields, tea plantations, water bodies and open ground during thunderstorms. The use of wired telephones and electrical appliances should be avoided during severe lightning. Open vehicles including bicycles, tractors and boats pose elevated risk.
The warning is particularly relevant as millions celebrate Avurudu auspicious rituals outdoors. Several districts saw pre-holiday road fatalities in recent days, and authorities have urged caution across multiple fronts during the festive period.
