Red warning of large-scale flooding in several DS Divisions

The Irrigation Department has issued a Red warning of potential large-scale flooding in several Divisional Secretariat Divisions, stemming from significant rainfall in the upper and middle reaches of the Maha Oya basin.

The flood warning initially issued for the Deduru Oya basin has been extended for the next 24 hours, with the Irrigation Department closely monitoring the situation.

Very high rainfall has occurred in most of the upstream and middle reach catchment areas of the Maha Oya basin. By analyzing the current rainfall situation and river water level of hydrological stations in the Maha Oya, the Irrigation Department warned that there is a high possibility of major floods occurring in the low-lying areas of the Maha Oya valley – in Alawwa, Divulapitiya, Meerigama, Pannala, Wennappuwa, Negombo, Katana, Narammala and Dankotuwa DS Divisions.

Heavy rainfall in the central hills has contributed to the rising water levels, leading to the opening of sluice gates in several reservoirs to manage the excess water. As a result, floods have been reported in various regions, heightening the risk of inundation in low-lying areas.

As a result of the rainfall that lasted for several days, the Kalawewa reservoir reached spill level and two of its floodgates were opened by three feet each. As a result, a water capacity of 3,600 cubic feet per second was released to the Rajangana reservoir through the Kala Oya. The Metrology Department said that showers or thundershowers will occur in several places in most provinces of the island.

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely in some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces. Showers may occur in some places in Northern and Eastern Provinces and in Puttalam district during the morning too. The wind direction is north-easterly in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankesanturai, and variable in the other sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be 20 to 30 kmph.

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