Advisory issued for severe lightning

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for severe lightning for most provinces of Sri Lanka.

The Meteorology Department said Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Northern, Uva, Eastern and Southern provinces during the evening or night.  

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 • Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms. 

• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms. 

• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 • Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 • For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.