Rain eases, but minor flooding persists in Nilwala and Gin rivers

Sri Lanka is expected to see a temporary reduction in rainfall on Friday, although minor flooding continues in parts of the Nilwala and Gin river basins, according to the Department of Meteorology and the Irrigation Department.

Several spells of rain are expected in the Eastern Province and in the Mullaitivu and Polonnaruwa districts.

Showers or thundershowers may also occur at a few places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern Provinces after 1 p.m.

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

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

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department said minor flood conditions continued in parts of the Nilwala and Gin rivers.

Although rainfall has eased compared with recent days, between 75 mm and 100 mm of rain was recorded at several locations in the upper Nilwala basin during the past 24 hours.

The upper Mahaweli basin received between 50 mm and 75 mm, while close to 50 mm was recorded in the upper Maha Oya catchment.

Minor flooding persists along the Nilwala Ganga at Akuressa and downstream areas, while similar conditions remain around Paththigama and nearby areas in the lower Gin Ganga basin.

Water levels have not shown a significant further rise, but some low-lying areas remain at risk of inundation.

Water levels in the upper Kalu Ganga are receding, although Millakanda and nearby areas remain close to minor flood level.

The Kelani Ganga, Attanagalu Oya and Maha Oya are also gradually receding, while water levels in the upper Mahaweli Ganga have not risen to dangerous levels.

The Irrigation Department warned, however, that water levels in rivers across the wet zone remain high and could rise quickly if heavy rain falls over short periods.

People living in low-lying areas near rivers have been urged to remain vigilant and to follow official advisories, particularly as spill gate operations at reservoirs may change depending on water levels.