Flood levels begin to recede in several areas as rivers stabilise

Floodwaters that affected several parts of the country have started to recede in key locations as major rivers and reservoirs show signs of stabilisation, officials said yesterday.

However, rising water levels in the Kelani River caused flood waters to remain elevated in low-lying areas of the Kelani basin as of 8.00 p.m. yesterday, though authorities expect levels to begin falling from this morning. Along the Kelani, water levels at Hanwella near Kaduwela have started to decline, while levels at Nagalagam Street have peaked and are not expected to increase by more than six inches.

Irrigation Department data showed that water levels at Nagalagam Street had remained steady at 7.5 metres for two consecutive hours as of 4.00 p.m. yesterday.

Officials said flooding in Gampaha town would stay at present levels before beginning to subside from this morning. In Giriulla, which was affected by overflows of the Maha Oya, floodwaters are also expected to recede from today.

In Polonnaruwa, flooding caused by high flows in the Mahaweli River has eased, although spillages continue from the Minneriya and Kaudulla reservoirs. Authorities confirmed that water levels in affected areas are now gradually declining.

Meanwhile, water levels of the Kalu River in Ratnapura are trending downward, while Kalutara is expected to experience elevated levels for a short period longer. The Deduru Oya reservoir continues to spill, though discharge levels are expected to reduce today, easing flooding in nearby areas.

In the Malwathu Oya basin, reservoir spillages have kept flood levels in Anuradhapura high until last morning, with declines anticipated from this afternoon.