The Irrigation Department announced this morning that 16 major reservoirs and 17 medium‑scale reservoirs under its management are currently spilling, prompting cautionary advice to residents in low‑lying areas.
Director of Water Management Engineering H.M.P.S.D. Herath confirmed that the situation was reported at 6.00 am today.
Among the major reservoirs spilling are Rajanganaya in Anuradhapura, Ambewela in Badulla, Mau Ara, Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila Yoda Wewa, and Weheragala in Hambantota.
Other reservoirs include Ambakola Wewa, Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, Magalla, and Deduru Oya in Kurunegala; Nalanda and Wemedilla in Kandy; Alikota Ara in Monaragala; and Yoda Wewa in Mannar.
Officials noted that 12 spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened, releasing over 14,000 cubic feet of water per second into Kala Oya.
Six gates of Lunugamvehera are discharging more than 4,100 cubic feet per second into Kirindi Oya, while six gates of Weheragala are releasing over 2,400 cubic feet per second into the Menik Ganga.
Four gates of Deduru Oya have also been opened, releasing 2,800 cubic feet per second.
The Department has urged communities in downstream and riverbank areas to remain vigilant as water levels continue to rise. (Newswire)