Minor Flood Warnings Remain in Low-Lying Areas Along Kalu River

COLOMBO (News 1st) - According to the Department of Irrigation, minor flood levels continue in the Millakanda area along the Kalu River.

The Irrigation Department says that flood alert levels remain in effect for the Putupawula and Ellagawa areas near the Kalu River.

The Attanagalu Oya also remains at flood warning level in the Dunamale area.

The Department of Irrigation has urged residents living in nearby low-lying areas to remain vigilant.

Landslide red notices remain in force amid heavy rainfall

Landslide evacuation red notices issued for several Divisional Secretariat areas in two districts remain in effect due to heavy rainfall.

Red notices have been issued for the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Dehiowita, Deraniyagala, and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle District, and Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kuruwita, and Eheliyagoda in the Ratnapura District.

In addition, early landslide warnings have been issued for the Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, and Nuwara Eliya districts.

Nearly 28,933 people affected by severe weather

The Disaster Management Centre says the number of people affected by adverse weather conditions has risen to 28,933.

It adds that 7,482 families across several districts including Gampaha, Ratnapura, Galle, Colombo, Puttalam, and Kalutara have been impacted.

A total of 1,731 people are currently being sheltered in 18 safe locations.

The DMC also reports that nearly 836 houses have been partially damaged.

Relief operations are continuing.

Showers expected across several provinces; heavy rain likely in some areas

The Department of Meteorology says that intermittent showers or thundershowers may occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts.

The Met Department stated that some areas in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, and in the Galle and Matara districts, could receive fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm.

Fairly dry conditions may prevail in other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, speed limits have been announced for expressway users due to the adverse weather conditions. 

Acting Director General of the Road Development Authority, A.P.K. Abeydeera, says that motorists have been advised to travel under a speed limit of 60 km/h.