Water levels in several rivers that rose due to the effects of Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ are gradually receding, but the risk of flooding has not yet subsided, an Irrigation Department official warned.
Director of Irrigation, Engineer L. S. Sooriyabandara made these remarks while participating in the ‘Ada Derana ‘Big Focus’ programme, which discussed the weather conditions affecting Sri Lanka due to Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab.’
He said that although Sri Lanka was not directly affected by the cyclone, strong winds and heavy rainfall had caused significant impacts across several parts of the country.
The districts of Galle and Matara, the Western, North Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, and the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts in the Central Province were among the worst affected by the rainfall, he said.
The highest rainfall during the past 24 hours had been recorded in the upper catchment areas of the Gin, Kelani, Attanagalu Oya and Maha Oya rivers.
Significant rainfall was also recorded in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River yesterday evening (26), with certain locations receiving between 125 and 150 millimeters of rain. This had caused water levels in several major rivers to rise considerably, he added.
According to Sooriyabandara, minor flooding is currently affecting the middle and lower reaches of the Nilwala River, particularly in Akurassa and areas downstream, following heavy rainfall in its upper catchment areas.
Although water levels in the upper reaches of the Nilwala River and around Akurassa have begun to recede, levels in low-lying areas continue to rise. However, there is no current risk of the situation escalating into major flooding, he said.
Meanwhile, water levels in the Gin River around Baddegama and neighbouring low-lying areas have risen above normal and are approaching minor flood levels.
The rising water levels of the Kalu River yesterday also resulted in minor flooding in the Ratnapura area, with levels in downstream areas continuing to increase.
However, water levels in Ratnapura are now gradually receding. Meanwhile, water levels in the Millakanda area along the Kuda Ganga, low-lying areas of Kutupawla, and certain low-lying areas in the Kalutara District remain above normal, the official said.
He further stated that water levels in the Kelani River rose significantly within a short period yesterday, inundating several areas, including Kitulgala and Hanwella. Water levels in the river are now gradually declining.
Minor flooding and above-normal water levels also persist along the Attanagalu Oya in the Dunamale area of the Gampaha District, posing a continued risk of inundation in downstream low-lying areas.
Although water levels in the Badalgama area are receding, a further rise in water levels has been observed in low-lying areas, he added.
Sooriyabandara urged the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, warning that further rainfall is expected today and that flood risks remain in several areas.
