Mahaweli River Water Levels Rise; Minor Flood Warning Issued

COLOMBO (News 1st): Water levels in the Mahaweli River have risen due to ongoing heavy rainfall.

According to the Department of Irrigation, the rising water levels have created a risk of minor flooding in low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River within the Pasbage Korale Divisional Secretariat Division.

Drivers using roads through these areas have been advised to exercise extreme caution.

Meanwhile, Eng. L.S. Suriyabandara, Director of the Water Management Unit at the Department of Irrigation, said the Maguru Oya, a tributary of the Kalu River, has reached flood warning levels.

Eng. Suriyabandara also said water levels in several major rivers have risen significantly, particularly along their middle and downstream reaches, following the heavy rainfall.

The affected river basins include the Nilwala, Gin, Bentara, Kalu and Kelani Rivers, as well as the Attanagalu Oya.

According to Eng. Suriyabandara, the Attanagalu Oya has already reached a level of particular concern.

Meanwhile, key areas along the middle reaches of the Kalu River, including Ellagawa and Putupaula, as well as surrounding low-lying areas, are now facing heightened flood risk.

Residents in low-lying areas, particularly along the Nilwala, Gin, Bentara and Kalu Rivers and the Attanagalu Oya, are strongly advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.