Heavy Rains Trigger Floods As Reservoirs Reach Capacity

COLOMBO (News 1st); The highest rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 6:30 am today was recorded in the Kesbewa area of Piliyandala, reaching 204 millimeters.

Other significant rainfalls include 145.5 millimeters in Veyangoda, 121 millimeters in Gilimale, and 105.2 millimeters in Gampaha. 

Meanwhile, both Divithura and Bandaragama recorded over 100 millimeters of rain.

The Irrigation Department has warned that water levels in several major rivers, including the Kalu and Gin, are rising steadily. 

Heavy rains since last night have already led to flooding in many low-lying areas across the island.

In Colombo and its suburbs, intermittent thundershowers since early this morning have caused localized flooding, notably on the road near the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council.

The Galle district has also been severely affected. Heavy downpours in Neluwa, Thawalama, and Hiniduma caused the Mali Ela in Mapalagama to overflow, flooding nearby areas. 

Our correspondent reports that low-lying areas in Ambalangoda, Batapola, and Baddegama are also underwater.

Kandy has experienced heavy rain since this morning as well, causing significant disruption to daily life for residents and commuters.

As the wet weather continues, the Irrigation Department confirms that 16 major reservoirs and 17 medium-scale reservoirs have reached capacity and are currently discharging excess water.