Seven killed in landslides

[September 20 2015]

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.