Rising water levels in the Mahaweli River following intense rainfall have forced approximately 500 families from multiple villages in Gampola to evacuate. Authorities have established temporary shelters and deployed rescue resources.
Heavy rainfall has triggered significant flooding across the Gampola region, with the Mahaweli River overflowing and inundating several residential areas. According to the Divisional Secretaries of Udapalatha and Doluwa, the water rise has displaced nearly 500 families from their homes. The affected communities span multiple locations including Babila, Bothalapitiya, Gangawatta Road, Pallewela, Nawalapitiya Road, Leonis, Kudamake, Naranwita, and Inguruwatta.
Displaced residents have been relocated to temporary shelter facilities established at three locations: the Gate Masjid in Gampola, Kahatapitiya Jumah Masjid, and the Bothalapitiya Gangathilaka Viharaya. An emergency Disaster Management Committee meeting convened on January 3rd to coordinate response efforts, chaired by Kandy District Member of Parliament Fasmin Sharif and Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta.
Authorities have deployed six boats to support ongoing rescue and relief operations. During the DMC meeting, officials discussed contingency plans and precautionary measures in preparation for potential further deterioration of the situation. The Divisional Secretaries confirmed that displaced families have been moved to safe locations, though officials indicated the situation remains under active monitoring.
