Red Alert issued for strong winds and rough seas in Bay of Bengal

Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology has issued a red-level warning regarding dangerous maritime weather over parts of the Bay of Bengal, advising all fishing and naval vessels operating in the region to exercise extreme vigilance or suspend operations entirely.

According to meteorologists, an intensifying low-pressure system in the central and southern Bay of Bengal is generating severe winds accompanied by rough seas. Wind speeds are expected to increase significantly, causing hazardous swell waves that pose direct risks to smaller maritime crafts and trawlers.

The department highlighted that communities venturing out to sea from the eastern and northern coasts should remain vigilant and heed continuous updates from disaster management authorities. Coastal populations were also cautioned against venturing into turbulent surf until conditions normalize.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reiterated the meteorological warning, calling on local fishing associations and harbor authorities to maintain radio communication with active fleets and coordinate prompt return to shore where necessary.