July 03, Colombo: The Irrigation Department says that the upper reaches of the Gin Ganga basin have received significant rainfall so far.

Accordingly, the Disaster Management Center warns that there is a possibility of minor floods in low lying areas of Gin Ganga valley situated in Welivitiya Divithura, Baddegama, Kotapola, Hikkaduwa, Niyagama, Neluwa, Tawalama, Akmeemana, Nagoda, Alpitiya, Bope poddala and Galle Four Gravets D/S Divisions within next 24 hours.

Residents in those area and vehicle drivers running through those areas are requested to pay high attention in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department said the prevailing windy condition is expected to enhance further in the western and southern sea areas and in the southern half of the island due to the active Southwest Monsoon condition.

Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm may occur at some places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in Hambanthota district during the afternoon or night.

Strong winds about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times in the western slopes of the Central hills, Western and Southern provinces.

The Meteorology Department advised not to venture in fishing and naval activities in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle within the next 24 hours as the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota will be very rough.

There is a possibility to increase swell waves (about 2.5 – 3.5 m) in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle, may experience surges due to swell waves.