City floods - polythene the culprit?

A flooded Colombo street last evening. Pic. by M.A. Pushpa Kumara

Several roads were under water in Colombo in less than two hours following heavy rains experienced amidst warnings from the Meteorology Department that heavy thunder showers would continue for the rest of the week.

Many roads in the Kotahena, Slave Island, Maradana, Rajakeeya Mawatha and Jawatta areas were under water while several main roads in Battaramulla, Rajagiriya, Wattala, Ratmalana and Gampaha were rendered impassable.

“It is mostly due to polythene and garbage blocking the drainage systems” Colombo Mayor’s Advisor Shyam Nawaz who was also stuck in a traffic jam in Battaramulla told the Sunday Times.

“There is a possibility of small scale floods since the rains will continue throughout the week given the possibility of water stagnation in the city,” Met. Department Duty Officer Nandalal Peries said.