Flood protection bund of the Nilwala river overflowing

COLOMBO (News 1st); Water has begun to overflow from the flood protection bund of the Nilwala river in Attudawa since Saturday (07) night.

Director of Hydrology & Disaster Management at the Dept. of Irrigation Eng. S.P.C Sugeeshwara said as a result flood levels in the nearby lowlands may increase further.

The Gin river has reached flood level in Baddegama.

SPC Sugeeshwara said the Attanagalu Oya and Kalu river have also reached minor flood level in several areas.

He advised people living in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, Lanka Salt Ltd. said there is a risk of damage to the sidewalls of the Hambantota salt flats due to the prevailing showery conditions.

Chairman of Lanka Salt Ltd. Attorney Chaminda Sooriyapatabendhi said the situation has arisen due to unauthorized dumping of waste in the nearby canals.

Due to the prevailing showers landslide red alerts have been issued to three districts.

Accordingly landslide warnings were issued to several divisional secretariats in the Galle, Matara and Kalutara districts.

Level 1 and 2 landslide warnings were also issued to the Badulla, Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota, Kandy and Kegalle districts.

The Department of Meteorology predicted showers or thundershowers at several places in the Eastern, Uva, Central, Northern and North-central provinces and in the Kurunegala district during the evening or night. 

The Met. Department predicted fairly heavy showers above 75mm at some places. 

The Department also predicted several spells of showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in the Puttalam district.