Flood Risk Persists as Rivers Rise, Nearly 3,000 Affected by Heavy Rains in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Irrigation states that the water levels of the Kelani and Kalu rivers are continuing to rise.

The department announced that the water level of the Kelani River is rising from the Hanwella area. 

However, the Irrigation Department mentioned that the minor flood threat previously existing in the Glencorse area of the Kelani River is now subsiding. 

Meanwhile, the water level of the Kalu River is rising from the Kalawellawa area, while the minor flood threat around Ratnapura in the Kalu River is subsiding. 

The Irrigation Department also noted that the water level of the Mahaweli River around Peradeniya, which had been at a status requiring attention, is decreasing.

Amidst these conditions, due to the prevailing heavy rains, 2,971 individuals belonging to 769 families have been affected. 

The Navy stated that 11 teams along with crafts have been deployed to rescue individuals affected by the disasters. Navy Media Spokesperson Commander Chaminda Walakuluge stated that, in addition to this, another 171 teams have been prepared to be dispatched if necessary.


Furthermore, The Director-General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatta, stated that the fishing ban imposed due to strong winds and rough sea conditions prevailing in the sea area from Puttalam to Pottuvil remains continuously in effect. 

He stated that small and multi-day fishing vessels have been informed to refrain from engaging in fishing activities in the sea area extending from Puttalam, Chilaw, Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota to Pottuvil.


Meanwhile, the red landslide warnings issued for several Divisional Secretariat divisions in the Kandy, Kegalle, and Nuwara Eliya districts due to ongoing heavy rains remain in effect. 

The National Building Research Organisation stated that landslide red warnings have been issued for Ududumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy District, Yatiyantota in the Kegalle District, and Ambagamuwa and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya District.

Additionally, the National Building Research Organisation has instructed residents to remain on alert in Doluwa, Udapalatha, Delthota, Medadumbara, and Panwila in the Kandy District; Deraniyagala, Bulathkohupitiya, Aranayake, and Dehiowita in the Kegalle District; Kotmale East, Kotmale West, and Nuwara Eliya in the Nuwara Eliya District; and Opanayake, Ratnapura, and Imbulpe in the Ratnapura District.


Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology states that due to the activation of the southwest monsoon, showers may occur from time to time in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts. 

Merril Mendis, a meteorologist and Director of the Forecasting Division of the department, stated that rainfall exceeding 75 mm can be expected at some locations in the Sabaragamuwa, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts. 

He also mentioned that an increase in the rainy condition is expected in the coming days.