Flood alert issued for low-lying areas of Mahaweli River

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.

Although water levels are rising, he said the increase has been gradual.

Sooriyabandara added that the current situation is not expected to reach the severity experienced during Cyclone Ditwah, noting that the temporary rise in water levels was mainly due to some areas receiving more than 70 mm of rainfall overnight.

The upper catchment of the Kelani River, including Lakshapana, Norwood and surrounding areas, recorded 100-150 mm of rainfall, leading to a rise in water levels in the upper Kelani basin, including Kitulgala.

Although water levels in these areas have begun to recede, low-lying areas remain at risk of inundation.

Areas between Avissawella, Kitulgala and Norwood, as well as downstream sections from Hanwella to Avissawella, could experience flooding if conditions worsen, he said.

However, he emphasised that water levels are not rising rapidly, although downstream sections of the Kelani River may continue to see gradual increases.

The upper Ratnapura area has also received nearly 100 mm of rainfall.

While the Kalu River at Ratnapura has reached the warning level, water levels have not risen significantly.

Nevertheless, low-lying areas remain at risk of inundation.

Meanwhile, rivers in the wet zone, including the Nilwala Ganga and Gin Ganga, recorded 50–75 mm of rainfall.

However, the department does not expect these rivers to reach flood levels.

As relatively little rainfall has been recorded in the Maha Oya and Attanagalu Oya catchments, no flood risk has been identified in those areas, he added.

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