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Beware of the winds of change
By Marisa de Silva
The unbearably hot muggy weather we have been experiencing is on its way out as the southwest monsoon draws near, bringing with it heavy rains. But with the onset of the monsoon comes a warning from the Meteorological Department of the increasing possibility of floods and landslides in vulnerable areas around the country.

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) and the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) have jointly identified the Kegalle, Ratnapura and Kandy Districts as areas particularly vulnerable to floods and landslides, says Director of Meteorology, K.R. Abhayasingha. "After the 1993 floods even certain areas in the southeast were included in the list of vulnerable regions," he told The Sunday Times.

The monsoons are expected during the third week of May around the 22nd, explained Mr. Abhayasingha. However, an exact date cannot be determined. The public, particularly those residing in high-risk areas, should be alert and take remedial measures to minimise threats, both to their lives and property, said the Director. People should have previously earmarked places to go to in case of a disaster or warning.

Areas that flood regularly could be filled up with soil, or people could look out for the warning signs prior to the occurrence of these disasters and move to higher ground. "People too should take responsibility for their own safety and be aware of weather forecasts," he added.

Thirteen small-scale tornados have been experienced around the country this year alone, clear evidence that weather conditions are becoming increasingly volatile as a result of global warming (as predicted by scientists), in comparison to weather conditions last year, said the Director. Though there were no casualties, there had been severe damage to property, due to trees being uprooted and falling on property and strong winds blowing roofs off etc., he added. However, the frequency levels of tornados, lightning and cyclones are relatively low during the monsoon season, he confirmed.

In case of an emergency, the Meteorological Department now has a 24-hour Police post based within the Department premises that will on receipt of any information, immediately notify the Police Information Centre in Mirihana. This would then lead to the prompt activation of the same warning alert system, practised during the recent tsunami scare.

Whenever there is a forecast for heavy rains the Met. Department informs the NBRO, which, in turn issues landslide warnings based on these forecasts, to the relevant authorities and public via the media, if and when the need arises.

Mr. Abhayasingha claims that although many promises were made to bring in various technological advancements to the Department, none had been fulfilled to date.

The monsoon will also affect tsunami victims still sheltering under tents, Mr. Abhayasingha said. "The authorities must concentrate on accelerating the reconstruction process as much as possible, to provide decent shelter for these people, by mid-May at least," he said.

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