In the aftermath of a natural disaster we are currently facing an imminent meteorological threat which could cause a major interruption to recovery efforts. The Met. Department warned that a cyclone is building off the east coast of the country.

A low pressure system had developed in the Bay of Bengal, an area which generates the most number of meteorological threats to our island 300 kilometers southeast of the town of Hambantota.

It is not a cyclone at the moment but there is a possibility of a cyclone within the next 24 hours. Strong winds, frequent showers and rough seas are expected in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Matara via Hambantota

The Mets informed that rain or thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and windy conditions would prevail in the eastern Uva and southern provinces and in parts of central province overnight. And in the worst case it could end up carrying a cyclone to cause more trouble.

Notices have been sent out to officials in the southeast and eastern coast, especially in districts such as Ampara and towns like Galle, Matara and Hambantota to prepare making arrangements to evacuate civilians and tsunami victims in case if the situation turns out really bad. Most of these coastal areas consist of temporary camps for survivors, which could easily end up being destroyed by the cyclone, if it happens to pass their way.