No tsunami threat in Lanka

by Shanika SRIYANANDA and Mohammed NAALIR

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said that there was no tsunami threat in Sri Lanka.

DMC Assistant Director Pradeep Kodippili told the Sunday Observer that Sri Lanka is equipped with the most accurate and advanced earthquake alert and warning systems - Japan Meterological Alerts, Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) and Indian Tsunami Warning Centre.

He said that Sri Lanka did not face any tsunami threat despite it hitting Japan.

Sri Lanka, which fell prey to the ferocious tsunami in December 2004 is ready for a tsunami emergency and had conducted tsunami drills to increase people's awareness in an emergency.

"The alerts and warnings on disasters are recorded by the DMC and the Meteorology Department, which provides a round the clock service", he said.

Kodippili said that the Meteorology Department would assess the gravity of the earthquake warnings and issue directives to the DMC to alert or evacuate people from the danger zones.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department yesterday said that Sri Lankans need not panic.

Meteorologist Damayanthi Indiketihewage said that the Meteorology Department constantly monitors the weather patterns and it is in touch with weather forecasters globally. Rains can be expected throughout the country in the coming days at noon or in the evenings.

Scattered showers can be expected in the Eastern Province, she said.

The Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central Provinces, Galle and Matara districts will experience heavy showers today accompanied by thunder and lightning.

The Meteorology Department has said that the public should be vigilant on thunder and lightning.