Several major rivers across the island have risen to minor flood levels following rainfall experienced in many parts of the country over the past 24 hours, the Department of Irrigation warned.
Chief Engineer (Hydrology) of the Department of Irrigation, L. S. Sooriyabandara, said rainfall had intensified across several areas, including the Southern, Western, North Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces.
The highest rainfall during the past 24 hours was recorded in the upper catchment areas of the Gin and Nilwala rivers, with rainfall amounts ranging between 100 and 120 millimeters.
Meanwhile, areas of the Kalu Ganga basin, particularly around Maguru Ganga, as well as the lower catchment areas of the Attanagalu Oya in Gampaha and areas surrounding Kataragama, have received rainfall close to 100 millimeters.
Most other areas have recorded rainfall ranging between 50 and 75 millimeters, with showers spreading across the island, including the Northern, Eastern, Central and North Central provinces.
The prevailing rainfall has caused water levels in several major rivers to rise to minor flood levels.
According to Engineer Sooriyabandara, the Nilwala Ganga has reached levels close to minor flooding in Akurassa and low-lying areas, although no significant further rise has been observed.
Minor flooding has also been reported in the Gin Ganga around Baddegama and surrounding areas. However, the river is not showing signs of further rising to major flood levels.
Water levels in the Maguru and Millakanda areas of the Kalu Ganga are also nearing minor flood levels.
The Kelani Ganga has recorded a general rise in water levels, although no flooding has been reported.
Meanwhile, the Attanagalu Oya is at minor flood levels in Gampaha, Dunamale and low-lying areas.
The Maha Oya has also recorded a general increase in water levels, but there is currently no flood threat, he said.
Significant rainfall is expected to continue today in the Wet Zone, as well as in parts of the Uva, Southern, Western, North Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces.
The Department of Irrigation has warned that spill gates of several reservoirs may need to be opened amid the prevailing conditions.
It has also cautioned that intense rainfall over short periods could cause low-lying areas and roads to become inundated rapidly.
Accordingly, people living along rivers and streams currently at minor flood levels have been urged to remain vigilant about sudden fluctuations in water levels.
The public has also been advised to exercise extreme caution when using rivers and to closely follow the advisories issued by the Department of Irrigation from time to time.
