By Ifham Nizam

Torrential rains that wreaked havoc on some parts of the country during the weekend have claimed two lives and affected 83 people of 25 families, besides damaging 18 houses.

According to weather forecaster Indika Pushpakumara the two deaths were reported from the Eastern Province.

The Department of Meteorology yesterday forecast showers or thundershowers at several places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-central and Eastern provinces for this evening or tonight. Several spells of showers may occur in the Western province and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts.

The National Building Resources Organisation (NBRO) has also issued a landslide warning to residents in Badulla, Bandarawela, Ella, Haldummulla, Hali Ela and Welimada divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Badulla District; Padukka and Seethawaka divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Colombo District; Agalawatta, Bulathsinhala, Dodangoda, Ingiriya, Mathugama, Palindanuwara and Walallawita divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Kalutara District; Ganga Ihala Korale, Gangawata Korale and Udadumbara divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Kandy District; Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Deraniyagala, Ruwanwella, Warakapola and Yatiyanthota divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Kegalle District;

Alawwa, Mawathagama, Narammala, Polgahawela and Rideegama divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Kurunegala District; Laggala Pallegama, Matale, Rattota and Ukuwela divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Matale District Ambagamuwa, Kotmale and Walapane divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Nuwara-Eliya District; and Ratnapura and Eheliyagoda divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas in the Ratnapura District.

The public is also warned to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

Showers or thundershowers may also occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.

Winds will be Westerly and wind speed will be 20-30 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to35-45 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast, extending from Galle to Hambantota via Matara and in the deep sea areas off the coast, extending from Puttalam to Galle via Colombo.

The Galle to Hambantota via Matara and in the deep sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Galle via Colombo will be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.