News
More inter-monsoonal rains from next week
The second phase of inter monsoonal rains is expected to begin from next week, according to the Meteorology Department.
Flood conditions in Jaffna. Pic by N. Parameshwaran
The duty meteorologist of the Department told the Sunday Times that evening thunder showers which were expected for a period of two months were disrupted due to the low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
“During the inter monsoon the winds should be slow or variable; if the wind speed increases it disrupts the rains,” he said explaining the prevailing weather pattern in some parts of the country.
Accordingly the Met Dept. predicts a rainfall of about 100 mm during the course of next week.
Meanwhile the recent rains and flood conditions in Jaffna District had disrupted the lives and livelihoods of many residents although they welcomed the rains after the long dry spell.
Commenting on the situation in the Jaffna District, Pradeep Kodippili Deputy Director and Media Spokesman of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said the flood situation was mainly caused by rain water block in the area.
According to Mr. Kodippili the recent rains have not increased the water levels of the lagoon or irrigation tanks in the area.
However Jaffna DMC Assistant Director S.Ravi told Sunday said certain areas in Nallur, Kopay, Sandilippay and Point Pedro Division and certain coastal areas in Jaffna town are still affected by floods.
“The residents in the low lying areas are affected still by flood waters,” he said adding that Jaffna had received at least more than 100 mm of rainfall.
However, he too said the the main reason for the flooding was the improper drainage system in the areas. He said the problem gets worse when people throw garbage into the drains blocking them and awareness programmes are essential to avert such a situation in the future.
Mr. Ravi said as of November 15, 3894 families and 13,895 individuals have been affected due to the floods. Of them 438 families and 1,656 individuals have been severely affected. He said this number is collated from the 13 affected divisions excluding Delft and Velanai.
“Five houses have been completely damaged while 225 houses are partly damaged due to the recent catastrophe,” Mr. Ravi said. He said the Met Dept has warned of heavy rains by the beginning of next week and they fear that the flood conditions may worsen.