Authorities have warned residents in low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River of potential flooding within the next 24 hours due to expected rainfall and reservoir spillgate operations.
The Irrigation Department has issued a minor flood warning for communities situated in low-lying zones along the Mahaweli River basin, cautioning of possible inundation over the coming day. The alert affects multiple divisional secretariat areas including Udunuwara, Udapalatha, Yatinuwara, Doluwa, Ganga Ihala Korale, Gangawata Korale and Harispattuwa.
The warning has been triggered by two main factors: anticipated rainfall in the upper catchment regions feeding the Mahaweli River system, and the operational opening of spill gates at Kotmale Reservoir. These combined conditions have prompted authorities to take precautionary measures ahead of potential flooding events.
Residents in affected areas have been instructed to remain vigilant and implement necessary safety measures in preparation for any possible flooding situation. Disaster management authorities have simultaneously been directed to ready response operations. Officials have also indicated that additional rainfall is forecast in coming days, suggesting the flood risk may persist beyond the immediate 24-hour window.
