Major flood situation expected around Kala Oya

A major flood situation is expected in the next few hours areas belonging to the Rajanganaya, Nochchiyagama, Wanathavilluwa, and Karuwalagaswewa Divisional Secretariat Divisions as the Kala Oyais releasing a large volume of water.

The Irrigation Department said at present, Kala Oya is being operated at its maximum discharge capacity, releasing approximately 44,000 cubic

feet per second (cusecs) of water to the Rajanganaya Reservoir.

In addition  it is expected that the Rajanganaya Reservoir will release approximately 35,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water into the Kala Oya during the next few hours.

‘The public residing in these areas, as well as drivers and passengers traveling through the region, are kindly requested to act with extreme caution regarding this situation. In addition, the public is advised to refrain from all activities in and around the Kala Oya, as temporary structures such as footbridges may become submerged, the department said.

The people residing in these areas have been requested to move to safer locations where necessary.

By Karuwalagaswewa Jayaratna