Heavy rains; four sluice gates of Deduru Oya opened: Irrigation Dept.

Irrigation (Hydrology) Director S.P.C. Sugeeshwara said due to worsening weather conditions, four spill gates of the Deduru Oya were opened last night to release 8,400 cubic metres per second.

He said the water levels at the gauge stations at Panadugama of the Nilwala river, Baddegama of the Gin river, and Kalawellawa (Millakanda) of the Kuda Ganga were reported to have risen to record levels with the present inclement weather.

There is a possibility of flash floods along the low-lying areas of Kalu Ganga if the heavy rains in the catchment areas would continue.

He mentioned that several tributaries have come to the level of minor floods. As a result, residents living adjacent to major (Kelani and Gin rivers) and tributary rivers should exercise extreme caution in the event of floods.

Due to possible flooding in the said areas, motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.

Meanwhile, the Metrology Department said owing to low-level atmospheric disturbances, which still persist in the vicinity of the island, showers would continue in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, and Northern provinces and in Anuradhapura, Galle, and Matara districts. 

Heavy showers exceeding 75 mm could be expected in some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces.

Thunderstorms will strike several locations in Uva and the Eastern provinces during the evening or night.

Therefore, the general public are cautioned to take adequate precautionary measures to safeguard themselves against damage caused by squall and lightning during thundershowers. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)