The Irrigation Department has urged the public to stay vigilant, as intense rainfall within short periods could trigger sudden flash floods in several parts of the country.
Engineer L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the department’s Hydrology and Disaster Management Division, advised people living near rivers and in low-lying areas, as well as motorists and other road users, to closely monitor rainfall conditions in their areas. He said significant rainfall is possible over the next few days and asked the public to follow forecasts and warnings from the Irrigation Department, the Department of Meteorology and other authorities.
Ampara District recorded the highest rainfall over the past 24 hours, about 130 mm. Considerable rain also fell in the Galle and Matara districts, particularly in the Gin and Nilwala river basins, as well as in the Kalu and Kelani basins and the Ratnapura and Kalutara districts. Several areas in the Kegalle, Matale and Kandy districts received between 50 and 100 mm, while moderate rainfall was reported elsewhere.
On river conditions, the lower reaches of the Nilwala River are still under minor flood conditions, particularly in Akuressa, Malimbada and Kadduwa, though water levels are gradually receding. Minor flooding has also been reported around Baddegama along the Gin River, while its upper reaches continue to fall. The Kalu River remains at minor flood levels around Millakanda and the Kuda Ganga, and although slight rises have been seen near Kalutara, no major flood is expected. The Kelani River is relatively high but declining, and the Attanagalu Oya is close to minor flood levels but also receding. A moderate rise has been observed in the Maha Oya around Badalgama without any significant threat, and Mahaweli River levels at Nawalapitiya and Peradeniya are not dangerous.
Sooriyabandara cautioned, however, that very heavy rain over a short period can cause sudden flooding even where river levels are not critical. He pointed to Ampara, where about 130 mm fell in just two hours yesterday.
Residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas, especially those close to rivers, have been asked to remain alert, while motorists should exercise caution and stay informed about rainfall conditions.