Ratnapura District endangered with floods due to heavy rain

• Water levels in several rivers are rising
• NBRO urges residents to be vigilant 
• 47 houses in some areas had been extensively damaged

By Ajithlal Shanthaudaya, Pushpakumara Mallawarachchi and Bandu Thambavita   
Prevailing heavy rain and strong winds have signalled a disastrous situation in several areas in the country. 

The Irrigation Department warned that the Ratnapura District was endangered with floods and earth slips due to the heavy rain and swelling of Kalu Ganga , Kuru Ganga and Nirieli Ganga.  The water level in Kalu Ganga and Kuru Ganga had risen by nine feet and that of Nirieli Ganga by three feet by last morning.   

The areas including Elapatha, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kalawana, Kuruvita, Nivithigala and Kiriella had experienced heavy rainfall of 75 mm by last morning. Disaster Management Centre warned the people of the affected areas of a possible flood threat and earth slips.   

The National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) warned the people to be cautious of any possible disastrous situation signalled by the caving in of earth, earth cracks, leaning trees and lamp posts, spouts gushing muddy water and the flowing down of muddy water.   
About 200 people in 95 families in Balangoda, Kolonna, Godakawela, Kahawatta, and Imbulpe areas had been affected by torrential rain and earth ships, Disaster Management Centre said 47 houses in these areas had been extensively damaged.   

Several areas in the Gampaha district including Mirigama, Kotadeniyawa, Diulapitiya, Pallewela and Galamuna had been facing a flood threat due to the heavy rain experienced in the area. The road from railway level crossing in Mirigama town up to the Diulapiriya Road had gone underwater.   

The stretch of road from Galamuna to Kaleliya on Giriulla-Pasyala road had gone underwater and several business establishments along the road had gone underwater. Meanwhile, several houses in Pallewewa and Kottala areas had been extensively damaged by floods. Low-lying areas in Kotadeniyawa had gone underwater compelling the people to leave for safer locations.   

Meanwhile, low-lying areas in the Kalutara District had gone underwater due to the heavy rain experienced in the area for the last two days. Baduraliya- Kalawana road had gone 5ft underwater at Morapitiya bringing transport to several areas to a standstill. The people were compelled to use canoes and boats to reach their villages.