No flooding reported despite rising reservoir levels, Irrigation Department says

No flooding has been reported so far even as prevailing rainfall has raised water levels in several reservoirs across Sri Lanka, the Irrigation Department said.

L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department, stated this while addressing the media this morning (26). He said water levels in several major rivers, including the Kalu Ganga and Kelani Ganga, are also rising.

Heavy rainfall in the districts of Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Puttalam and Kurunegala has led to steps being taken to open the spill gates of the Deduru Oya and Rajanganaya reservoirs. Approximately 5,300 cubic feet of water per second is being released from the Deduru Oya Reservoir, while nearly 2,300 cubic feet per second is being released from the Rajanganaya Reservoir.

According to forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology, fairly heavy rainfall may occur in southwestern areas of the country in the coming days, Mr. Sooriyabandara said. He further warned that low-lying areas, including parts of Jaffna and Mannar, could be inundated if heavy rainfall occurs within a short period.

The Irrigation Department has urged people living in low-lying areas and river basins to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather updates and rising water levels.