Castlereigh and Maussakelle reservoirs have reached levels close to their spill points amid heavy rainfall in their catchment areas, reservoir engineers said on Monday morning (10).
Engineers said the water level of the Castlereigh Reservoir had risen to within 1.2 feet of the spill level by Monday morning. The reservoir had received around 25 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Maussakelle Reservoir was reported to be within 3.4 feet of its spill level, after receiving approximately 29 mm of rainfall over the preceding 24 hours.
With water levels continuing to rise at both reservoirs, power generation at the Canyon, Laxapana, New Laxapana, Polpitiya and Wimalasurendra hydropower stations is being carried out at maximum capacity, engineers in charge of the power stations said.
Authorities have also taken steps to alert residents living on both sides of the Maskeliya Oya, as the rising reservoir levels have brought the dams close to the point where spill gates may need to be opened.
Residents in areas downstream of the reservoirs have been urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution as water levels continue to increase.
