Islandwide major rivers continue to pose serious flood risks as water levels remain high in several key basins, according to the latest update issued by the Irrigation Department at 6.30 p.m. today (29).
The report shows that the Kelani River basin remains the most critical, with Glencourse recording a major flood level of 20.36 m at 6.00 p.m., although showing a slight decline from earlier in the day. Hanwella continues to remain above the minor flood level at 10.57 m, while water levels at Kitulgala and Holombuwa are rising.
Several tributaries of the Kelani, including Gurugoda Oya and Seethawaka Ganga, remain at normal levels, though Deraniyagala recorded continued rainfall during the past hour.
In the Kalu Ganga basin, water levels at Ratnapura have fallen slightly to 8.30 m, staying above minor flood level. Putupagala and Ellagawa are still on alert as levels remain elevated.
The Gin Ganga basin shows mixed conditions with Thawalama and Baddegama maintaining normal levels, though Thalgashogoda recorded rising water earlier in the day.
The Attanagalu Oya basin remains a significant concern. Dunamale recorded a major flood level of 6.36 m at 6.00 p.m., with levels gradually falling but still posing a high-risk situation for nearby communities.
In the Nilwala, Walawe, Deduru, Menik, and Yan Oya basins, most stations reported normal or falling water levels. However, Horowpothana in the Yan Oya basin recorded minor flood levels with 2.8 mm of rainfall measured at 6.00 p.m.
The Irrigation Department warned that despite easing rainfall in some regions, downstream flooding could worsen overnight as accumulated water flows through the river systems. Residents living near low-lying areas of the Kelani, Attanagalu Oya, Deduru Oya, Kalu Ganga, and Gin Ganga have been urged to remain vigilant and follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities. (Newswire)
