Engineers opened three spill gates at the Upper Kotmale Reservoir early Wednesday morning in response to heavy rainfall, with authorities warning of potential further releases if weather conditions intensify.
Authorities managing the Upper Kotmale Reservoir activated three of the facility's spill gates during the early hours of Wednesday following sustained heavy rainfall across the reservoir's catchment areas. According to engineers overseeing the dam, the gate openings occurred automatically as a standard response to rising water levels triggered by the precipitation.
The Disaster Management Centre has issued an advisory for residents situated downstream along both banks of the Kotmale Oya river, instructing them to maintain heightened awareness of potential dangers. Officials cautioned that the remaining spill gates may be opened automatically if rainfall in the Upper Kotmale catchment zone continues at current or increased levels, which would result in greater water discharge into the river system.
Beyond the reservoir, the heavy rain has produced visible impacts across the wider region. Notable waterfalls including St. Clair's and Devon Falls have experienced marked increases in water flow as a direct result of the weather pattern affecting the area. The combination of these factors underscores the region's vulnerability to elevated water levels during periods of intensive precipitation.
