Extreme weather wreaks further havoc

Many parts of the island are battling extreme weather events, with major flooding due to rising water levels in reservoirs.

Heavy rains in the central mountains have led to the opening of the second sluice gate of the Kotmale reservoir.

The second sluice gate of the Kotmale reservoir was opened only 70 cm on Friday night (8) due to prevailing extreme weather conditions in the affected areas, according to a Reservoir Officer.

He further mentioned that the sluice gate will only allow 106 cubic meters of water per square meter to flow out, and further opening may be necessary in future rains.

Meanwhile, extreme downpours have caused flooding in the Maladumpotha area of Matale due to overflowing of a canal in the area, causing inconvenience to its residents in Hulangamuwa, Hulangamuwa South, and Maladumpotha areas.

With this being in view, State Minister Rohana Dissanayake has announced necessary steps will be carried out regarding widening of canal dams as relief measures for affected people.

Besides, vehicular movement was disrupted on Saturday (9) in the Mawela Gampola road in Pussellawa police area owing to the collapse of an earth mound and a tree.

Pussellawa Police said that rocks and soil were removed and traffic movement was restored to normal within a matter of hours.

Pix by: Sudath H.M. Hewa - Hatton