Heavy rain forecast as Nilwala River flood warning issued

Heavy rain exceeding 100 mm is expected in parts of Sri Lanka, while the Irrigation Department has warned of possible minor flooding in low-lying areas of the Nilwala River basin within the next 24 hours.

The Department of Meteorology said showers or thundershowers would occur at times in the Western, Southern, Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western and Northern provinces, as well as in Anuradhapura District.

Showers or thundershowers are also expected elsewhere after 1 p.m.

Heavy falls exceeding 100 mm are likely at some places in the Northern, Western and North-Western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts.

The public has been advised to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions are also expected in some areas of the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the early morning.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department said significant rainfall in the upper and middle catchment areas of the Nilwala River had increased the risk of minor flooding.

The warning applies to low-lying areas within the Nilwala River floodplain in the Akuressa, Athuraliya, Malimbada, Kamburupitiya, Thihagoda and Matara Divisional Secretariat divisions.

Residents in the affected areas and motorists travelling through them have been urged to remain vigilant.

Disaster management authorities have also been informed to take precautionary measures.

The flood warning remains in force until 6 p.m. on 16 October.