December 02, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation has reported a modest but welcome reduction in water levels along several major rivers, offering a slight easing of the flood conditions that have inundated low-lying communities in recent days.
Officials noted that the Kelani River, which has been running dangerously high, is now showing signs of retreat, bringing some relief to residents living along its floodplain.
According to early-morning observations today (02), the gauge at Nagalagam Street registered a fall from 8.00 feet at 2.00 a.m. to 7.90 feet by 3.00 a.m. Although this decline is encouraging, authorities stressed that the area remains under a major flood warning, with ground saturation and continuing rainfall posing ongoing risks.
A similar pattern was recorded at Hanwella, where the level dipped from 8.00 feet to 7.93 feet within the same hour, yet still stands firmly within the flood threshold.
The Department also confirmed that other key waterways are beginning to subside. At Elgama on the Kalu River, water levels fell from 10.40 to 10.30 feet overnight, though the river remains above danger level and continues to threaten nearby settlements.
Meanwhile, at Thanthirimale on the Malwathu Oya, the gauge showed a minor reduction—from 8.98 feet at 2.00 a.m. to 8.95 feet at 3.00 a.m.—but the situation remains severe, with widespread flooding still affecting villages downstream.
