Heavy rains of over 150 mm could be expected across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North Western and Central provinces and the Galle and Matara districts, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said today.

People, especially those living alongside rivers and in landslide prone areas are warned to be vigilant and evacuate if necessary.

Several areas in Sri Lanka experienced rains exceeding 300mm yesterday as the Southwest monsoon seeks to establish over the country.

Over 38, 000 people have been affected by the weather thus far, and the death toll has reached 8.

Meanwhile, the Kaduwela interchange of the Colombo Outer Circular Road has been closed due to flooding.

State Minister Palitha Range Bandara, touring Puttalam yesterday to assess the flood situation said he had instructed the DMC to prepare disaster relief teams that can be used at short notice.

As many as 75 families have been relocated to safer areas due to the floods, and the Minister promised speedy relief would be provided to all.