Sri Lanka Braces for “Easterly Wave”: Disaster Teams on High Alert for Heavy Rains
By Lions Roar News National Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (December 28, 2025) – Sri Lanka’s disaster management apparatus has been placed on high alert as the Department of Meteorology warns of an incoming “active easterly wave” set to intensify rainfall across the island starting tomorrow, December 29.
Coming just weeks after the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah—which left over 600 dead and displaced thousands—authorities are taking no chances. Major General (Retd.) Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), confirmed today that emergency response protocols have been activated to prevent further loss of life.
🌊 The Weather Threat: What is an Easterly Wave?
An easterly wave is a type of atmospheric disturbance (a “trough”) that moves from east to west across the tropics, often bringing significant moisture and intense thunderstorms.
Forecasted Impact Zones:
The Met Department predicts that rainfall will exceed seasonal averages in the following provinces:
- Northern & North-Central Provinces
- Eastern Province
- Central Province
- Uva Province
While the North and East will face the brunt of the wave, afternoon thundershowers are also expected in Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, and Kalutara. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 40–50 km/h along coastal areas and the eastern slopes of the central hills.
🚁 DMC Readiness: “Culture of Prevention”
Major General Kotuwegoda stated that the DMC is shifting from a reactive to a proactive model. Under the emergency plan for the Northeast Monsoon, the following assets have been pre-positioned:
- Tri-Forces & Police: Military personnel and Civil Security Department (CSD) troops are on 24-hour standby.
- Search and Rescue (SAR): Naval diver units and specialized boat teams have been deployed to flood-prone basins, including the Mahaweli and Kelani rivers.
- Aerial Support: Air Force helicopters are stationed at regional bases for potential evacuations and food drops.
“We have instructed the Navy, Air Force, and Police to have their aircraft, boats, and personnel ready according to the disaster contingency plan,” Kotuwegoda told reporters. “We urge the public to remain vigilant as the ground remains saturated from recent storms.”
⚠️ Safety Advisory for the Public
With many reservoirs already at 90% capacity following the late November floods, even moderate rainfall could trigger immediate flash floods.
- Monitor Water Levels: Residents near rivers and tanks (especially in the East) should be ready to move to higher ground.
- Landslide Warnings: The NBRO has extended warnings for Badulla, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya. If you see cracks in the soil or sudden water springs, evacuate immediately.
- Marine Safety: Fishing and naval communities are advised to avoid the sea areas from Colombo to Kankesanthurai and Matara to Hambantota due to rough seas.
