Sri Lanka, Nov. 27 -- The Department of Meteorology has issued a 'Red' alert warning for the land and the sea areas around the island due to the deep depression over south-east of Sri Lanka.

As per the warning, the depression over the south-east of Sri Lanka has intensified into a deep depression and is centered near latitude 6.7degN and longitude 82.1degE, about 120 km south-east of Batticaloa.

It is very likely to move nearly north-northwestwards and intensify further into a Cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours, the advisory said.

Due to the influence of this system, prevailing heavy showers and strong winds over the island are expected to continue during the next few days.

Very heavy falls above 200 mm are likely at some places ...