Extreme Weather: Two Spill Gates of Deduru Oya Opened Amid Heavy Rainfall

COLOMBO (News 1st): Two spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir have been opened, due to the prevailing rainy weather.

The Department of Irrigation said the gates were opened by one foot each, releasing water at a rate of 1,400 cubic feet per second.

Residents in low-lying areas along the Deduru Oya have been advised to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology says heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres could occur in some areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North Western and Southern Provinces, as well as the Anuradhapura District.

The MET Department said showers or thundershowers could occur in most parts of the island after 1:00 p.m.

The General public has been advised to take necessary precautions to minimise accidents caused by temporary strong winds and lightning that may accompany thundershowers.