Sri Lanka, Oct. 26 -- Adverse weather has already affected 18,376 people of 546 families across 18 districts, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), as the island braces for a possible cyclonic storm forming off its Northeastern coast.

The Department of Meteorology reported that a low-pressure area about 850 km Northeast of Batticaloa is expected to intensify into a deep depression by today (26) and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow (27).

Four deaths have been reported so far, while 628 houses have sustained damage. Over 200 people are staying with relatives, and 20 people have been relocated to a safe site in the Colombo district.

The affected districts include Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Galle, Kegalle, B...