The Irrigation Department says the rainfall recorded across Sri Lanka has not yet resulted in major flooding, although water levels in several reservoirs and rivers have risen.
Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department, L. S. Sooriyabandara, said that several reservoirs had recorded normal increases in water levels due to the prevailing rainy conditions.
He noted that the water level of the Kalu Ganga had risen considerably following the rainfall, but the situation had not developed into major flooding. A normal increase in the water level of the Kelani Ganga had also been observed, he said.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has been recorded in districts including Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Puttalam and Kurunegala. As a result, steps have been taken to open the spill gates of the Deduru Oya and Rajanganaya reservoirs, he said.
Speaking further, Sooriyabandara said rainfall of between 50 and 75 millimeters had been recorded at several locations in the Kalu Ganga basin. Although some areas in other river basins had received rainfall of less than 50 millimeters, water levels in the rivers had generally increased without reaching flood levels.
He added that normal increases in water levels had also been observed in the Nilwala Ganga, Gin Ganga, Attanagalu Oya and Maha Oya basins.
According to the Director, the Deduru Oya Reservoir is currently releasing approximately 5,300 cubic feet of water per second, while the Rajanganaya Reservoir is releasing around 2,300 cubic feet per second.
He further warned that moderately heavy rainfall could occur in southwestern areas in the coming days, in line with forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology.
He also cautioned that sudden heavy rainfall could lead to the inundation of low-lying areas, particularly in districts such as Jaffna and Mannar.
Accordingly, residents living near low-lying areas and river basins across the country have been urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution amid the prevailing weather conditions.
