Audio: Ratnapura severely affected by heavy rains

Low-lying areas in the Ratnapura District have been flooded due to adverse weather conditions since last night, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

The worst affected areas in Rathnapura have been identified as Elapatha, Kiri Ella and Kuruwita.

A landslide warning has also been issued today to residents in selected areas in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Ratnapura and Kalurata for the next 24 hours.

“We have requested the residents of the Central hill areas and Ratnapura District to be vigilant. Those affected by the floods are still arriving at the welfare camps with the help of Navy and Army officials,” DMC Media Director Sarath Lal Kumara said.

He said heavy rains can be expected in the next couple of hours in low-lying areas of Rathnapura, Kalu Ganga, Mahaweli river bank and Kalutara.

Meanwhile, National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) yesterday issued a warning for the residents in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Ratnapura and Kalurata to be vigilant as continuous heavy showers could trigger landslides.
 
Heavy showers were reported in all parts of the country including the hydro-catchment areas since yesterday. Four sluice gates have been opened in the Upper Kothmale Reservoir. The water levels of the Lakshapana, Maussakele and Canyon have risen due to the heavy rains. (Chaturanga Pradeep)