COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Six spill gates of the Deduru Oya reservoir have been opened following heavy rains.
In a statement, the Director of Irrigation (Water Management), Engineer D. Abesiriwardhana said those residing in low-lying areas in Chilaw and Puttalam must remain vigilant, since the water released from the reservoir could lead to minor flooding.
Engineer Abesiriwardhana the six sluice gates of the Deduru Oya were opened at around 8am.
He said around 16,000 cubic feet of water are being released per second from the reservoir.
Accordingly, he said they expect minor flooding in some areas.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology issued a Red notice after the depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal entered through the east coast of Sri Lanka earlier today.
The Met Department said the depression is moving across the country at present.
Accordingly, the Met Department said showers or thundershowers will occur at times over most parts of the country today.
It added very heavy showers above 150mm can be expected at some places in the Eastern, Uva, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern and Northwestern provinces and in the Polonnaruwa district.
Fairly heavy showers above 75mm can be expected at some places elsewhere.
The Met Department said strong gusty winds of about 40-50kmph can be expected at times over the country.
The general public has also been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
