Met and Irrigation Departments issue heavy rain, flood warning

Heavy showers above 150 mm are expected in Northwestern, Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts today (9), the Meteorology Department forecasted.

A red alert warning issued by the Department’s Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre stated that heavy showers about 100 mm can be expected at some places in Northern Province and in Matale, Galle and Matara districts during next 24 hours.

“Public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers,” the Met Department advised.

The Irrigation Department issued flood warnings to those residing near Maha Oya, Kelani River, Attanagalu Oya and Kalu River.

“There is a considerable probability of occurring a minor flood situation at low-lying areas of Kelani River Flood Plain situated in Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Seethawaka, Dompe, Kaduwela, Biyagama, Kolonnawa, Colombo and Wattala DS Division areas. The public living in those low-lying areas and the drivers running through those areas are requested to be highly vigilant at all times. Disaster Management Authorities are kindly requested to take adequate precautions in this regard,” the Irrigation Department warned.

“There is a threat of Negombo-Kurunegala Road close to Giriulla town inundating due to Maha Oya receiving heavy rainfall. In addition, there is a possibility of a minor flood situation occurring in low-lying areas of the Maha Oya River Basin situated in Alawwa, Meerigama, Pannala, Wennappuwa, Negombo, Katana and Dankotuwa DS divisions,” the Irrigation Department said.

Low-lying areas of Kalu River Basin in Bulathsinhala, Baduraliya, Parinda Nuwara, Millaniya, Horana, Dodangoda and Kalutara DS division area and low-lying areas of Attanagalu Oya River Basin in Attanagalla, Gampaha and Ja-Ela DS divisional areas are warned of possible flash floods.