Sri Lanka orders precautionary measures amid adverse weather

COLOMBO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan authorities have instructed officials to take immediate precautionary measures to protect the public from possible disasters as adverse weather affects several parts of the country, the country's Defense Ministry said Monday.

The ministry issued the directive after several agencies released weather warnings and updates earlier in the day.

Officials must maintain close contact with residents in areas identified as vulnerable to landslides and promptly inform them of warnings issued by relevant agencies, read the directive.

Authorities also advised residents in high-risk areas to remain alert for changes in their surroundings that could indicate possible landslide activity.

Divisional secretaries have been instructed to activate village-level disaster management committees and take measures to protect communities threatened by landslides, floods and other weather-related disasters.

Officials were also instructed to identify vulnerable communities and relocate residents to designated safe centers when necessary. ■