Flood alert issued for low-lying areas along Mahaweli River

Colombo, Dec. 18 (Daily Mirror) - The Irrigation Department has warned of possible flood conditions in several low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River during the next 48 hours due to rainfall received since last night in parts of the river’s catchment areas.

According to the advisory, flood risks are expected in the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Kinniya, Muttur, Kantale, Seruvila, Welikanda, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa and Dimbulagala.

There is also a risk of inundation along the Batticaloa–Polonnaruwa Road in the Gallella area, as well as the access road to the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara and surrounding areas. As a precaution, devotees planning to travel to the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara have been advised to avoid the area until further notice over the next few days.

The general public living close to the Mahaweli River in the affected areas has been urged to remain highly vigilant and to take necessary safety measures to protect themselves from possible flooding.

Relevant disaster management authorities have been requested to take appropriate action and closely monitor the situation.