Sri Lanka. Photo: Shutterstock Sri Lanka has issued an amber advisory for heavy rain covering several provinces and districts, with some areas expected to receive rainfall of around 100 millimeters, or 100 liters of water per square meter.
The advisory was issued at 7:00 a.m. on September 21 by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Center of the Department of Meteorology. It remains valid until 7:00 a.m. on September 22.
The amber warning applies to the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces, as well as the districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara.
The authorities are advising people in the affected areas to be prepared. Showers or thundershowers are expected at times, with heavy rainfall of around 100mm possible in some locations.
The latest reported rainfall figures also show that several areas had already recorded significant rainfall in the 24-hour period from 8:30 a.m. on September 20 to 7:00 a.m. on September 21.
Maliboda in Kegalle recorded 104mm, while Kalupahana in Kegalle recorded 95.5mm. Maskeliya in Nuwara Eliya recorded 85.5mm, Polpithigama in Kurunegala recorded 85mm and Dammulla in Ratnapura recorded 82.5mm.
The advisory comes as Sri Lanka faces increased rainfall during the inter-monsoon season, which can raise the risk of flooding and landslides in affected areas.
Travel disruption is possible, particularly in areas experiencing heavy rainfall. The FCDO has advised travelers to check with their travel providers before making journeys and to follow instructions from local authorities.
Sri Lanka Tourism also operates a 24-hour hotline on 1912 for visitors seeking assistance.
The country's weather warning system uses three levels: green indicates that the threat has passed, amber means people should be prepared, and red indicates a warning requiring action. The current advisory is at the amber level.