Director General of the Department of Irrigation, Ajith Gunasekara, has warned that ongoing rainfall could lead to flooding from the Kelani River worse than what was experienced in 2016.

Based on current water levels recorded at Avissawella, he said Colombo is likely to face a significantly higher volume of floodwater by tomorrow night.

“It is unlikely this situation will change. We expect the Kelani River’s water levels to exceed those recorded during the 2016 floods,” Gunasekara said during a special media briefing on the response to the current disaster situation.

He urged residents in vulnerable areas, particularly in Colombo, to take precautionary measures by securing essential documents such as educational certificates, vehicle records, and other valuables which can be removed. (Newswire)