Public warned of flash floods as heavy rain continues

The Irrigation Department has warned that intense rainfall over short periods could trigger flash floods and urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly in riverine and low-lying areas.

Director of Hydrology and Disaster Management Engineer L.S. Sooriyabandara said people living near rivers and low-lying areas, as well as motorists, should closely monitor rainfall in their localities.

He said significant rainfall was expected to continue over the next few days and urged the public to follow advisories issued by the Irrigation Department, Department of Meteorology and other relevant agencies.

Sooriyabandara said the highest rainfall recorded during the past 24 hours was in Ampara District, where nearly 130 mm fell.

Rainfall of between 50 mm and 100 mm was also recorded in several parts of Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Kegalle, Matale and Kandy districts, including catchment areas of the Gin, Nilwala, Kalu and Kelani rivers.

He said water levels in the lower reaches of the Nilwala Ganga were gradually receding but remained at minor flood level, particularly in areas including Akuressa, Malimbada and Kadduwa.

The Gin Ganga around Baddegama and nearby areas also remained at minor flood level, although water levels upstream were falling.

Minor flood conditions were also reported around Millakanda and areas along the Kuda Ganga, a tributary of the Kalu Ganga. Water levels near Kalutara had risen slightly, but there was no indication of a major flood developing.

The Kelani Ganga remained at a relatively high level but was gradually receding, while the Attanagalu Oya was close to minor flood level and also falling.

Sooriyabandara said the Maha Oya had recorded a moderate rise around areas such as Badalgama, but had not reached flood level. Water levels in the Mahaweli Ganga at Nawalapitiya and Peradeniya were not at dangerous levels.

He warned, however, that very heavy rainfall within a short period could rapidly change conditions.

Nearly 130 mm of rain had fallen in Ampara within about two hours on Monday, illustrating the risk of sudden flooding, he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology said showers or thundershowers were expected at times in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Showers or thundershowers were also forecast over other parts of the island after 1 p.m., with heavy falls exceeding 100 mm possible at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva Provinces.

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

Misty conditions are also expected at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva Provinces and in the Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the early morning.