Red alert over major flood risk as heavy rains disrupt hill country

A red alert has been issued warning of a possible major flood situation along the Mahaweli River within the next 48 hours as heavy rains continue to batter Sri Lanka’s central hills, disrupting public life and prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.

The Department of Irrigation issued the Red Alert (No. 01) on Monday (3) at 1 pm, citing heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River and the possible opening of spill gates of the Kotmale Reservoir. The warning will remain in force until 1 pm on August 5.

The flood warning applies to low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River in the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Udunuwara, Udapalatha, Yatinuwara, Delthota (Doluwa), Kotmale, Pasbage Korale, Ganga Ihala Korale, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa and Pathadumbara.

The Department urged residents living near the riverbanks to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their property.

Meanwhile, authorities closed the Lower Kadugannawa main road due to the risk of landslides caused by persistent heavy rainfall in the central hills.

The water level of the Mahaweli River has risen rapidly following continuous rainfall in the Kandy and central hill regions since Friday night. As a result, three spill gates of the Polgolla Reservoir were opened on Saturday to release excess water.

Reservoir authorities warned residents along both banks of the Mahaweli River to avoid activities such as fishing and viewing rising water levels, and to exercise extreme caution as the situation develops.

Several reservoirs in the hill country have also reached high water levels. The Wimalasurendra Reservoir in the Norton Bridge area has begun spilling, with one spill gate opened, according to officials at the Canyon Power Station.

Engineers managing the Castlereigh and Maussakelle reservoirs said water levels were continuing to rise due to heavy rainfall, while residents reported strong winds accompanying the downpours in the central hills.

Authorities are also closely monitoring the Upper Kotmale and Kotmale reservoirs amid the deteriorating weather conditions.

All schools under the Nuwara Eliya and Hatton education zones have been granted a holiday from yesterday due to the adverse weather conditions affecting the district.

Central Province Education Director Niyomi Hettiarachchi said principals of schools in the Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Kotmale, Gampola, Teldeniya and Kandy education zones had been instructed to make appropriate decisions regarding school operations depending on local weather conditions.

The University of Peradeniya has also temporarily suspended academic activities and examinations until further notice due to flood risks in areas surrounding the Mahaweli River basin.

The university administration advised students residing in hostels located near the river basin to remain vigilant and said those who could safely travel home were permitted to do so.

Students unable to return home due to the weather have been allowed to remain in university hostels, except the Sarasavi Medura hostel, after informing hostel authorities.

The university has also instructed hostel management to accommodate students from high-risk private boarding facilities seeking temporary shelter, while maintaining proper records.

The administration stressed that no student would be compelled to leave hostel accommodation and urged the university community to follow safety instructions until weather conditions improve.