Water levels in several reservoirs within the Kirindi Oya and Walawe River basins have risen due to prevailing rainy weather conditions, prompting authorities to open spill gates and release excess water, the Department of Irrigation says.

Residents living in low-lying areas along the rivers and streams in these basins have been urged to remain highly vigilant, Director (Water Management) of the Department of Irrigation, Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath warned.

Lunugamvehera Reservoir - Two spill gates of the Lunugamvehera Reservoir, located in the Kirindi Oya River Basin, have been opened by four inches each, while another four gates have been opened by six inches each.

As a result, approximately 3,000 cubic feet of water per second is being released into the Kirindi Oya.

Alikota Ara Reservoir- Spill gates of the Alikota Ara Reservoir, also located within the same river basin, have been opened, with the excess water currently flowing into the Kirindi Oya.

Mau Ara Reservoir- The spill gates of the Mau Ara Reservoir have also been opened, releasing more than 1,500 cubic feet of water per second into the Mau Ara.  

The Department of Irrigation has warned that water levels in the low-lying areas of the Kirindi Oya and Walawe River basins could change rapidly due to the additional water being released from these reservoirs.

Residents living in the low-lying areas of the reservoirs and in areas close to the rivers have therefore been advised to closely monitor changes in water levels.

The authorities have also strongly urged the public to follow the announcements and safety instructions issued by the Disaster Management Division of the Department of Irrigation regarding the opening of reservoir spill gates.