The Department of Irrigation has issued a flood warning for several low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River, stating that they are at risk of flooding within the next 24 hours.
The warning, issued at 12:30 am today (Aug. 03), will remain in effect until 12:30 am tomorrow (Aug. 04).
Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation said significant rainfall has been recorded in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli, Kelani and Kalu rivers over the past 24 hours.
Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) – Eng. L.S. Sooriyabandara said the heavy rainfall has caused water levels in these rivers to rise.
According to him, areas in the upper Mahaweli catchment, including Nawalapitiya, Nanu Oya and Watawala, received nearly 200 mm of rainfall, with some locations recording more than 200 mm.
As a result, flood warnings have been issued for residents living along the Mahaweli River between Nawalapitiya and Peradeniya.