Evacuation alert issued as Ambatale flood barrier reaches critical level

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has issued an urgent warning that the Ambatale flood control barrier is at risk of overflowing as water levels in the Kelani River continue to rise rapidly.

According to the DMC, residents living along the river embankment, the Malabe–Kaduwela main road, and other surrounding low-lying areas should evacuate to safer locations without delay. Officials cautioned that the situation may escalate quickly if water levels increase further, significantly heightening the risk of severe flooding.