Seven killed in landslides
by Dhaneshi Yatawara
At least seven people were killed and nearly 200 persons marooned due
to heavy rains that slashed several parts of the country, causing
landslides in the Central Province.
Over 185 persons were displaced by landslides in the Kotmale area,
National Disaster Management Centre said. Most parts of the island are
affected by rainy weather. The abnormal weather affecting the island is
the result of the El Nino impact, climate expert, Dr. W.L. Sumathipala
said. "The El Nino cycle, happening over the Pacific Ocean with a global
impact on weather patterns will affect local weather for several more
months," he said. The former head of the Sri Lanka Climate Change
Secretariat, Sumathipala is currently the Advisor to the Ministry of
Environment.
Sumathipala warned that Sri Lanka should t expect drastic changes in
the monsoonal rains due to the El Nino effect - causing a reduction in
the North-East monsoon rains which, normally occurs from December till
February and an increase in the South-West monsoon rains, from May to
September.
"The reduction in the North-East monsoon will make those areas drier,
impacting rice production and causing serious environmental, social and
economical problems," he added.
"The El Nino has its strengths and weaknesses. Due to increased
global temperature, even a slight increase in the ocean surface
temperature can trigger the El Nino effect and can become frequent," he
said. |