Heavy Rains Lash Sri Lanka as River Levels Rise

COLOMBO (News 1st); The highest rainfall recorded across Sri Lanka during the past 24 hours was reported from the Nuwara Eliya District, with precipitation reaching 127 millimetres.

The Department of Meteorology warned that heavy rainfall can be expected in several provinces, including Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva, as adverse weather conditions continue to affect parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology has also issued a warning on strong winds and rough seas.

According to the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, wind speeds in the sea areas extending offshore from Galle to Hambantota and Pottuvil may increase to between 60 and 70 kilometres per hour at times.

Authorities warned that the sea in these areas could become very rough and advised the fishing and naval communities not to venture into the affected sea areas until further notice.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department said water levels in the Kalu, Kelani and Mahaweli rivers are rising rapidly due to the prevailing rainfall.

The Department noted that water levels of the Kalu River at Ratnapura, the Kelani River at Kitulgala, and the Mahaweli River at Peradeniya have shown significant increases.