News
North still dry and reservoirs not filling up despite downpours
View(s):By Jayanie Madawala
A dry spell still prevails in the north of the country, although many parts of the country are experiencing heavy rains.
The duty meteorologist of the Meteorology Department told the Sunday Times, “September is when the South West monsoon is established and the south western part of the country receives rain. Rain can occur at any time of the day or night, occasionally in spurts.”
Despite a cyclonic condition or disturbance, this time period remains dry usually for other parts of the country, However by September 19 rainfall could be expected in the North.” he said.
Castlereigh reservoir. Pic by Sudath H.M. Hewa
The department says showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo, Galle and Matara.
Winds will be south-westerly with a speed of 30-40 kmph .Wind speed can increase up to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chillaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankesanthurai and in the sea areas extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
Meanwhile the department said maximum rainfall of 61.5mm was recorded from Hiniduma in the Galle district.
Landslide warnings issued by the National Building Research Organization to four districts due to the inclement weather still remains. Accordingly Level 1 (Yellow) warnings were issued for Seethawaka in Colombo, Warakapola in Kegalle and Kuruwita and Eheliyagoda in Ratnapura.
The water level of Nilwala river is rising due to heavy rainfall and residents around Thalgahagoda have been warned of minor floods, the Irrigation Department says. Residents living in Dunamale around Attanagalu oya have also been asked to be on alert.
Irrigation Department (Hydrology) Director S.P.C. Sugeeshwara said that despite the heavy rainfall received over the month in the south- western areas in the country, the overall hydro catchment situation remains neutral with no significant rise in water levels in the reservoirs.
Last week two spill gates of the Kukule Ganga hydro power plant were opened, due to rising water levels, releasing water at a rate of 50 cubic meters per second. Currently no spill gates are opened. The South-Western and Central Provinces have seen increased rainfall over the past eight days leading to minor floods in some areas. The water level of irrigation remains at 26%.
Although the water levels at Mausakale and and Castlereigh which were standing at 30% have now increased to 50%, it is not a significant increase, the Irrigation Department said.
Water levels at Randenigala Victoria Moragahakanda also remain low.
According to the department at Samanalawewa the water level has shrunk to 27.5 percent of its full capacity, Kukule Ganga 30 %, Castlereigh 22.5%, Laxapana 26.5%, Moussa Kelle 27.5% and Upper Kotmale 15. 3%.
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