Cyclonic winds swept across the Ratnapura town and its suburbs yesterday evening causing damage to houses, shops and property, bringing with it heavy rains which lashed the entire district ending a month-long drought.

Hailstorms were reported from Batugedera Tirivanketiya and Pahala Hakkamuwa.

People in the affected areas said a thick fog had accompanied the cyclonic winds that lasted for about 15 minutes. About 25 houses in Batugedara, Tirivanaketiya, Pahala Hakkamuwa and Ratnapura city area were damaged.