Rains, flood and landslides cause further damages

Heavy rains, landslides and flooding have been reported in several parts of the country with more warnings of rising water levels in reservoirs an irrigation tanks.

Among the areas badly affected have been the Kegalle district where at least two schools have been closed down, several villages and roads flooded and landslide warnings issued.

At least four buses carrying passengers were rescued after being caught up in flood waters.

The landslide warnings issued in seven other districts including the Nuewara Eliya and Kandy districts remained until Monday evening.

Water levels in the Maha Oya in the North Western Province were rising with warnings that several areas including Alawwa, Wenngappuwa, Negombo and Dankotuwa facing possible flood threats.

In the  Anuradhapura district,  several sluice gates of reservoiors and Irrigations tanks open,  but the water was spreading into several villages.  Kala Oya, Rajanganaya and Deduru Oya water levels were increasing.

Furthermore, the Mahaweli Authority has warned that the water level of the Kothmale reservoir was rising and people living down stream including those in Gampola, Gelioya, Peradeniya, Katugastota and Polgolla should refrain from using the river until further notice.

Meanwhile, a landslide has been reported in an estate in the Haputala, divisional Secretariat area. The landslide had occured at 6 a.m. this morning. The landslide was identified by an owner of a domestic dog who kept barking at its owner several times. The owner had then informed the estate officers and disaster management officials. 31 families residing in the estate were relocated.