Flood warning issued as Senanayake Samudra Reservoir reaches capacity

 

Colombo, Nov. 26 (Daily Mirror)- The Irrigation Department has warned that the Senanayake Samudra Reservoir in Ampara, is reaching full capacity following heavy rainfall in the upper and middle catchment areas of the Gal Oya Basin.

 

The department announced that intense rainfall over the past 24 hours has put the downstream areas of the Gal Oya River at risk of major flooding. If the reservoir’s sluice gates are opened to manage water levels, the river is expected to rise significantly, potentially triggering flash floods.

 

Residents of low-lying areas and motorists traveling through the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Damana, Ampara, Eragama, Addalachchenai, Samanthurai, Nintavur, Karaitivu, Saindamarudu, Kalmunai, Navithanweli, as well as areas near the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil, are urged to remain highly vigilant.

 

The relevant Disaster Management authorities have been requested to take all necessary precautions and appropriate actions to minimize risks from possible flooding.