Sri Lanka faces a life threatening emergency as nonstop rainfall and rising reservoirs push the Kelani River toward its most dangerous flood level ever recorded, putting thousands of families at immediate risk.
Many places in the Kelani River Basin are currently receiving intense and continuous heavy rainfall. Based on the escalating rainfall patterns, the volume of water being released from the reservoirs in the upper Kelani River Basin, and the detailed analysis of real time water levels from river gauges maintained by the Irrigation Department, authorities warn that a high risk flood situation of unprecedented magnitude may occur in the low lying areas of the Kelani River Valley within the next 24 hours. Officials say this developing flood threat could surpass previous recorded levels and may result in widespread inundation, rapid water rise and severe danger to communities living close to the riverbanks.
The public residing in these vulnerable areas are urgently requested to take extreme care and prioritize the protection of their lives by moving to the safest possible location without delay. Residents are strongly advised to gather essential documents, emergency supplies and valuables, and travel to higher ground well before water levels begin to rise further.
The Disaster Management Department is requested to consider this situation extremely important and take all necessary steps to coordinate early evacuations, deploy emergency teams and support local authorities as they prepare for possible mass displacement across the Kelani River Basin. With the weather showing no signs of easing and the hydrological indicators pointing to a dangerous escalation, swift action is critical to prevent loss of life.
