- Marine and Tourist Range DIG notes deployment of Marine cops and coast lifeguards
The Police Marine and Tourist Range stated that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the safety of tourists in view of the adverse weather conditions.
Sri Lanka has faced intense adverse weather over the past few days, driven by a low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. This system has developed into a depression, causing heavy rainfall exceeding 150 millimetres in many areas such as the Eastern and Uva Provinces.
When queried by The Daily Morning regarding the current security situation, Police Marine and Tourist Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Damayantha Wijaya Sri said that all necessary arrangements are in place to assist tourists who may need help in the situation.
“We have deployed Marine Police officers in the affected areas. In addition, lifeguards have been deployed in coastal areas as usual. On Tuesday (26), we rescued a German national in Mount Lavinia,” he said.
The adverse weather conditions have resulted in flooding, landslides, and disruption to transportation and daily activities. The Meteorology Department issued Red Alerts, warning of the potential for further intensification and impacts on Northern coastal regions. According to the Disaster Management Centre, as at 10 a.m. yesterday (28), a total of 12 persons had died, 17 had sustained injuries, and another two had gone missing, due to various accidents caused by adverse weather.