Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishermen communities against venturing into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, after cyclone Remal, which was located over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal (India) made landfall this morning.
“Very strong winds (60-70) kmph, accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely to continue further over the sea areas around the island, Arabian Sea areas and Bay of Bengal Sea areas due to the active south-west monsoonal condition,” it said issuing a warning.
“Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas marked by RED color on the map above until further notice.”Those who are out at these sea regions have been advised to return to land or move to safer areas immediately.
The fishing and naval community are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard. The Department’s Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre warned of strong winds of up to 60-70 kmph, and rough seas around the island. “The swell waves (about 2.5 m – 3.0 m) height (This is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Matara via, Colombo and Galle may experience surges due to swell waves.”