The Department of Irrigation has issued a minor flood warning for low-lying areas along the Kelani River valley, with authorities cautioning that water levels could rise significantly over the next 48 hours due to ongoing heavy rainfall in upper and middle catchment zones.

Heavy rainfall across the upper and middle catchment areas of the Kelani River basin has prompted the Department of Irrigation to issue a minor flood warning for low-lying zones within the next 48 hours. The alert specifically covers communities in the Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, and Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat divisions.

The warning is based on both current rainfall measurements and water-level data gathered from monitoring stations throughout the Kelani River basin. High-intensity precipitation is expected to continue in the coming days, creating conditions favorable for a rapid rise in river water levels. Authorities have emphasized that the combination of recent heavy rains and forecast predictions of sustained wet weather presents a notable risk to low-lying areas.

Disaster management officials and the Department of Irrigation have urged residents in affected zones to maintain heightened vigilance during this period. The advisory extends to river users and motorists traveling through the region, who have been instructed to exercise extreme caution. Disaster management authorities have been directed to implement all necessary precautionary measures to mitigate potential impacts from the anticipated minor flooding situation.