Kelani River maintains critical flood level; Residents urged to evacuate

Colombo, Dec. 1 (Daily Mirror) - The Kelani River continues to rage at Nagalgam Street, maintaining a critical flood level of 8.45 feet, the Irrigation Department said.

Authorities have issued stern warnings as floodwaters threaten Kadawatha, Ambatale, Kelaniya, Malabe, and other low-lying areas along the Kelani River basin. The situation is particularly dire in the Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat, where villages including Sinharmulla, Pilapitiya, Pethiyagoda, and Peliyagoda remain under high-risk alerts.

Residents still sheltering in their homes have been urged to move immediately to designated safety centers. Officials confirmed that evacuation notices were issued last night, but many people remain stranded.

The Irrigation Department also cautioned the public against visiting the Kelani River flood control bund, which is now at maximum capacity, warning that sightseeing could endanger lives.