Minor flood risk forecast for Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga within 48 hours

Colombo, May 29 (Daily Mirror) - The Irrigation Department has issued a warning that a minor flood situation may occur within the next 48 hours in low-lying areas of the Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga floodplains, following increased rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Kuda Ganga sub-basin of the Kalu Ganga.

Irrigation Director (Hydrology & Disaster Management) Eng. L. S. Sooriyabandara said that, according to river water level analyses maintained by the Irrigation Department in the Kalu Ganga basin, the opening of spill gates at the Kukule Ganga Reservoir has also contributed to rising water levels downstream. As a result, flood conditions may develop in vulnerable low-lying areas within the Bulathsinhala, Madurawala, and Palindanuwara Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

He further cautioned that by-roads passing through these flood-prone areas may become inundated if water levels continue to rise.

Residents living in the affected areas, as well as motorists using roads across the Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga floodplains, are urged to exercise heightened caution. Relevant disaster management authorities have also been requested to take necessary precautionary and response measures in view of the potential flood risk.