Significant rainfall has been recorded across most areas of Sri Lanka’s wet zone, including Galle, Matara, Western, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Matale districts, the Irrigation Department said.
Although rainfall has decreased somewhat compared to previous days, showers are continuing across several areas.
Irrigation Director Engineer L.S. Sooriyabandara said that by this morning, between 100 and 125 millimetres of rainfall had been recorded in the upper reaches of the Kelani River, while most other river basins had received between 50 and 80 millimetres during the past 24 hours.
Following rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres in some areas the previous day, water levels in the upper reaches of the Gin and Nilwala rivers have risen. There is a risk of minor flooding in Baddegama, Udugama, Akuressa and Thalgahagoda.
The water level of the Kuda Ganga, a tributary of the Kalu Ganga, has also risen at Millakanda and is nearing minor flood level.
Water levels in the Kelani River at Hanwella, Lenkoss and Avissawella also remain high.
Although water levels in the Mahaweli River at Nawalapitiya and Peradeniya, as well as the Attanagalu Oya, are gradually receding, they remain close to alert levels, Sooriyabandara said.
He added that the overall capacity of reservoirs under the Irrigation Department is currently between 34% and 35%.
Most of these reservoirs are located in the dry zone, where significant rainfall has not been recorded.
However, rainfall in the upper Mahaweli River basin has caused water levels in reservoirs including Kotmale and Polgolla to rise considerably.
The Irrigation Department has also warned the public that entering flooded areas for water-based activities or other purposes is extremely dangerous.
