Sri Lanka floods warning issued as heavy rain tops 200mm, with Gampaha, Ratnapura and Kelani River areas facing rising risk.
Sri Lanka floods warning has intensified after heavy rain above 200mm triggered red alerts and rising river levels in several high-risk areas.
The Department of Meteorology and the Department of Irrigation have announced that adverse weather affecting several provinces and districts has created a serious flood risk.
The Disaster Management Centre has issued urgent advance warnings, asking residents in vulnerable areas and vehicle drivers to act with maximum caution and preparedness.
The Natural Disaster Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology issued a special red alert early today, May 22.
The red alert is valid for the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western Provinces, as well as the Galle District.
Authorities warned that very heavy rain exceeding 200mm, or thundershowers with strong lightning and strong winds, may occur in some places.
The public has therefore been urged to take immediate steps to reduce possible danger.
The highest rainfall recorded in the island during the past few hours, from 8.30 am on May 21 to 4.00 am today, was reported from Kirindiwela in the Gampaha District, with 244mm.
Weyangoda in the Gampaha District recorded 238mm.
Avissawella in the Colombo District recorded 230mm.
Pambegama Watuya Estate in the Kegalle District recorded 181mm.
Niriella in the Ratnapura District recorded 171mm.
According to the first Amber colour flood warning issued by the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Department of Irrigation, heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Attanagalu Oya basin could create a minor flood situation within the next 24 hours.
As a result, low-lying areas and roads passing through several Divisional Secretary divisions are at risk of being submerged.
The affected areas include Divulapitiya, Meerigama, Attanagalla, Mahara, Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Ja-Ela, Katana and Wattala.
The Department of Irrigation also issued a special Amber warning for the Kalu Ganga basin at 6.00 am today.
According to water level data and continued heavy rainfall in the Kalu Ganga basin, a minor flood situation may develop in low-lying areas of the Kalu Ganga floodplain within the next few hours.
Residents in Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama, Elapatha and Kiriella in the Ratnapura District have been advised to remain extremely cautious.
The Disaster Management Centre has officially informed the Commander of the Army, Commander of the Air Force, Commander of the Navy, Inspector General of Police, and Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to act immediately.
All District Assistant Directors have also been alerted to manage possible disaster situations and minimize damage.
People living in areas affected by adverse weather have been advised to remain alert about water levels around them.
Vehicle drivers have also been urged to avoid roads that are at risk of flooding.
The public has been asked to contact the Disaster Management Centre’s 117 emergency hotline for the latest weather and flood updates, as well as emergency relief service requirements.
Meanwhile, the upper catchment areas of the Kelani River basin have now received significant rainfall of nearly 300mm.
Based on this rainfall and water level data from river gauges maintained by the Department of Irrigation, authorities warned that a minor flood situation may occur in low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley within the next 24 hours.
The areas at risk include Ruwanwella, Seethawaka, Dompe, Dehiowita, Ehaliyagoda, Yatiyantota and Bulathkohupitiya Divisional Secretary divisions.
Residents and drivers travelling through those areas have been asked to act with extreme caution.
Authorities further warned that if rainfall continues to intensify, flooding may also affect low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley downstream from Hanwella.
Disaster management authorities have been requested to take all necessary action to respond to the developing flood threat.
