Torrential rain caused by atmospheric depression
The cause of the torrential rain is an abnormal condition caused by the North-East monsoon.
Director General of the Met Department G.B. Samarasinghe said that due to the unusual activation of the North-East monsoon, an unusual atmospheric depression has been created. He said that the highest rainfall of 312.2 millilitres was received in Batticaloa after more than 100 years. A very high rainfall was experienced in Polonnarwa as well. The entire country has received substantial rainfall. He said that the favourable aspect is that the catchment areas of hydropower stations have received 70 to 100 millilitres of rain. But the opposite is experienced in the Central and Uva Provinces as the moist conditions can cause landslides. He called upon the people in those areas to exercise caution and the fishermen in the North Eastern coastal areas to refrain from venturing into the sea.
