News - Strong winds and power outages hit Nuwara Eliya district

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Strong winds and power outages hit Nuwara Eliya district

Mainly fair weather will prevail over the seas around the island for the next few weeks in contrast with last weeks’ strong winds and heavy rains in the coastal areas and the hill country, a Meteorological Department spokesman said yesterday.

He said the seas would be slightly rough and winds may blow from a Westerly direction.

“Recorded highest rainfall was reported from Ratnapura last week. For the next few weeks Nuwara Eliya and Kandy may experience light showers,” said Met Department’s Duty Meteorologist K.D. Sujeewa.

Meanwhile, the Nuwara Eliya district experienced heavy showers and strong winds along with a three-day blackout.

“For the last three days wind speeds were recorded at 70-80 kms an hour with heavy showers in the area,” Duty Meteorologist of the Met. Department Dilhari Fernando, said.

She said the strong winds had lessened now recording only 20-30 kms per hour and rainfall reduced to a few light showers which would continue for the next few days. Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) employees in the Nuwara Eliya area had to work day and night as strong winds brought down trees over power lines.

“Areas like Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura experience heavy winds in some months of the year and the Board takes immediate precautions to protect the people as well as power cables in the area,” CEB General Manager Ranjit Fonseka said.

He said more than 150 employees are on duty in Nuwara Eliya district.

“More than 300 trees had tumbled due to the strong winds,” Nuwara Eliya District Secretary R.M.M.B. Ratnayake said. He added that many houses and property were damaged, while Walapane was the worst affected area though no casualties were reported.

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