The Power and Energy Ministry yesterday warned public to be extremely cautious when using electrical appliances during unusual weather patterns prevailing in the country.

The country is experiencing heavy showers with thunder and lightening and these conditions

could lead to disasters if people do not take special precautions when using electrical home appliances, ministry sources said.

There were numbers of reports of deaths caused by electrical mishaps during lightening and heavy rains, sources said.

They also said that overgrown trees and branches were damaging power lines and cables are also causing fatal accidents.

Ministry officials said that they sincerely hope that public would cooperate in their campaign to minimize such accidents taking place. Under the instructions of Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne the Ceylon Electricity Board had ordered provincial depots to cut down trees and branches that are causing damages to cables. (IN)