Colombo under threat of major flooding?

With a water level not experienced in recent history being seen in the Kelani River, the Irrigation Department has issued an urgent warning that low-lying areas along the Kelani River may face a high-risk flood situation.

“It is hereby warned that from this moment and during the next 24 hours, a High-Risk Flood Situation, of a level not experienced in recent history, may occur in the low-lying areas of the Kelani River Valley,” the Department said in an official statement.

Authorities said heavy rainfall is currently being recorded across many catchment areas of the Kelani River Basin. 

"Combined with increased water discharge from reservoirs in the upper catchment and rising water levels measured at river gauging stations, the situation could become critical within hours,"  the department added.

As such, residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to move immediately to the safest available locations. 

“The public residing in these areas are strongly requested to act with extreme caution in order to safeguard their lives,” the statement added.