The Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs have risen to near-capacity following significant rainfall in their catchment areas, prompting authorities to operate hydroelectric stations at maximum capacity and alert downstream residents.
Two major reservoirs in Sri Lanka are approaching critical water levels following heavy rainfall in recent days. According to reservoir engineers, the Castlereagh Reservoir has risen to within 1.2 feet of its spill level as of the morning of the 10th, after receiving 25 mm of rainfall in its catchment area over the preceding 24 hours. The situation is similar at the Maussakelle Reservoir, which has climbed to within 3.4 feet of its spill level following 29 mm of rainfall during the same period.
In response to the rising water levels, authorities have activated hydroelectric power generation facilities at maximum capacity across five stations: Canyon, Laxapana, New Laxapana, Polpitiya, and Wimalasurendra. This measure is aimed at reducing reservoir levels before the situation reaches a critical point requiring the opening of spill gates.
As water levels continue their upward trajectory, officials have issued precautionary warnings to residents living along both sides of the Maskeliya Oya river system. Authorities have advised the public to remain alert and monitor further announcements from relevant agencies, given the potential for spillage operations that could affect downstream areas.
