Spill gates of Laxapana, Canyon, Upper Kotmale opened

Two spill gates of the Laxapana reservoir have been completely opened following the incessant showers experienced in the catchment areas, Pradeep Kodippili, Deputy Director of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

The Centre had issued a warning to residents living downstream of the Kelani River to be vigilant over rising water levels. Meanwhile, two spill gates of the Canyon reservoir and one gate of the Upper Kotmale reservoir too were opened, he said.

Mr. Kodippili further said, "The water levels of the Kelani and Mahaweli river have risen slightly but not come up to a flood level. These levels are continuously monitored by the Irrigation Department.

"People who were on their vacations were warned to avoid these water sources for their safety.

"Strong winds of up to 50kmph to 60kmph could be expected in the Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces. The North-Central Province and the Trincomalee district also could be affected with strong winds of around 50kmph.

"Rainy conditions could be expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and North-Western Provinces and also the Ampara and Batticaloa Districts.

"The seas would also be rough and wind speeds could increase up to 80kmph in the Arabian sea. The coastal areas from Matara to Pothuvil via Hambantota, Puttalam to Colombo (50-60kmph), Colombo to Matara via Galle (50kmph) could also expect strong winds."

"Therefore, fishermen and the naval community are requested to be vigilant about the situation," he added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Pix by Ranjith Rajapaksa