Intense weather causes further destruction

Extreme weather conditions have affected many regions of the island, causing significant floods and steadily rising reservoir water levels.

Two days of intense rain  forced the opening of 16 sluice gates at Tabbowa Reservoir, according to Thabbowa Regional Irrigation Engineer Lakshitha Beligammana.

Irrigation officials warn of grave danger due to the opening of four sluice gates, releasing a massive 6230 cubic feet per second of water into Nari Oya.

Eng. Beligammana said that out of the 20 sluice gates in Tabbowa Reservoir, 16 have been opened, with the opening of remaining four will also be necessitated due to heavy water flow.

Meanwhile, torrential rains caused Badulu Oya to overflow from Halpe and Maduragama areas today (16).

Due to this, the road leading to Nine Arch Bridge was blocked in Halpe in addition to Maduragama and several houses in Halpe area were also inundated.

Besides, vehicular movement was disrupted in the area owing to the collapse of an earth mound.

Simultaneously, the Navy has been mobilizing relief teams to Parakramapura of Padaviya, Anuradhapura District to provide relief to those affected by the floods due to the adverse weather conditions.

On December 15, the Ma Oya overflow caused flooding along the Vavuniya-Padaviya road in the Anuradhapura District, inundating the Weherathanna and Weli Ela low-water crossings.

Access to the Vavuniya Padaviya road has been restricted due to current circumstances, impacting daily needs of the locals.

The Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) is utilizing dinghies as a means of transportation for residents commuting for local tasks.

The Navy has assisted 2381 individuals from Weherathanna low-water crossing and 337 from Weli Ela law-water crossing since December 3rd, ensuring their transportation needs are met using dinghies.

Moreover, the Navy is also prepared to dispatch additional relief teams as needed.

Mahaweli Authority has initiated measures to open both Kala Oye sluices, causing a significant amount of water to enter Balalu Lake since the opening of sluice gates of the Ibbankatuwa reservoir have caused excessive water flow.

Engineer Buddhika Nawarathna of Bothenna Irrigation region reported that only 13,000 cubic feet per second of water was released from the lake into Kala Oye.

He further emphasized the importance of increased vigilance among those residing close to Kala Oye.

In the meantime, a large tree near Kala wewa fell on a motorcycle and a bus, disrupting traffic yesterday (15). Vehicle movement was promptly restored as locals and Mahaweli officials swiftly removed its branches.

Pix by: Hiran Priyankara, Nayanananda Buwaneka, Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa and SL Navy

Sluice gates at Thabbowa Reservoir opened

Opening of remaining 16 sluices will also be necessiated due to heavy water flow 

Torrential rains causing Badulu Oya to overflow

Navy relief operations in Anuradhapura

Tree fallen on bus near Kala Wewa

After both Kala Oye sluices were opened