Red alert for severe lightning in 17 districts

The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber advisory for severe lightning, warning of thundershowers and possible temporary localized strong winds across several provinces and districts until 1 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The advisory, issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 11 a.m. on Friday covers the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North Western and Southern provinces, as well as Anuradhapura and Mannar districts.

The 17 districts identified for a red alert are Mannar, Anuradhapura, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Matale, Kandy, Kegalle, Gampaha, Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Monaragala, Galle, Matara and Hambantota.

The department has urged the public to take precautions to minimize the risk of lightning-related damage and injury.

People are advised to seek shelter indoors and avoid standing under trees during thunderstorms. They should also stay away from open areas, including paddy fields and tea plantations, and avoid open water bodies.

The public is further advised to avoid using wired telephones and electrical appliances connected to power sources during thunderstorms, as well as open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors and boats.

People are also urged to remain alert to fallen trees and power lines and contact local disaster management authorities for emergency assistance. (Newswire)

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