November 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation has extended its warning of potential major flooding for communities living in low-lying areas along the Deduru Oya Basin, following sustained rainfall and increasing water release from the reservoir.
Heavy downpours over the past day in the upper and mid-catchment zones have pushed water levels sharply upwards, prompting the controlled release of roughly 33,000 cubic feet of water per second through the Deduru Oya Reservoir spill gates. Officials caution that this surge significantly heightens the risk of flooding downstream.
Based on the latest gauge readings and field observations, several Divisional Secretariat divisions—including Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Mahawewa, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Halawatha, Arachchikattuwa and Rasnayakapura—are considered particularly vulnerable to rising waters. Local authorities have been monitoring small inundations already reported in a few pockets, although no major evacuations have yet been ordered.
The initial warning issued on November 23 at 6.30 a.m. has now been prolonged by a further 48 hours, with officials stressing that conditions may intensify if rainfall persists.
Residents in the affected regions, as well as motorists passing through, have been urged to remain extremely cautious, especially during the night when rapidly rising water may be harder to detect. Disaster management teams have been asked to stay on standby and implement protective measures as required.
