A Kelani River flood warning covers low-lying areas as rainfall may exceed 100mm, strong winds intensify and rough seas halt fishing.
A Kelani River flood warning has been issued for low-lying areas as heavy monsoon rain raises the risk of minor flooding within 48 hours.
The warning covers parts of Dehiowita, Ruwanwella and Seethawaka. Authorities also expect rainfall exceeding 100mm, strong winds and very rough seas across several regions.
The active southwest monsoon is bringing heavy rain to the upper and middle catchment areas of the Kelani River basin.
As a result, the Irrigation Department warned that river levels could rise rapidly, depending on continuing weather conditions.
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Kelani River flood warning covers three areas
The Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department issued the notice at 7:30 a.m. today (1).
It applies to low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley within the Dehiowita, Ruwanwella and Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat divisions.
The warning will remain valid until 7 a.m. on August 3.
The Department urged residents, river users and motorists in vulnerable areas to remain extremely cautious.
Water levels could increase quickly if heavy rain continues across the river’s catchment areas.
Rainfall may exceed 100mm
The Department of Meteorology forecasts showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces.
Rain is also likely in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Some locations may receive heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm.
Meanwhile, winds of around 40 to 50 kilometres per hour may affect several areas.
These include the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Northern, North-Central, Central and North-Western provinces.
Strong winds may also affect the Monaragala and Trincomalee districts.
Light showers may occur in Matale, Anuradhapura and Hambantota. The rest of the island will experience mainly dry weather.
Rough seas force temporary fishing ban
The Meteorological Department also warned that increased wind speeds could make coastal waters very rough.
The affected sea area extends from Jaffna to Pottuvil through Mannar, Puttalam, Halawata, Negombo, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.
Because of the dangerous conditions, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has temporarily prohibited small and one-day fishing vessels from leaving shore.
The restriction applies to vessels involved in coastal fishing across the affected sea areas and will remain in force until further notice.
Authorities also advised fishing vessels already at sea to return safely to land as soon as possible.
Residents in flood-prone areas and fishing communities should continue following official updates while the Kelani River flood warning and hazardous marine conditions remain in effect.
