The spill gates of several reservoirs across Sri Lanka have been opened due to the prevailing heavy rainfall, with residents in downstream areas advised to remain vigilant over rising water levels.
According to the Irrigation Department, water is being released from the Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, Kukule Ganga, Kala Wewa and Thabbowa reservoirs to control increasing water levels.
Eight spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir have been opened by two feet each, releasing 10,400 cubic feet of water per second into Deduru Oya.
Meanwhile, six spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened, with two gates opened by four feet each, another two by three feet each and the remaining two by two feet each.
The reservoir was initially releasing more than 3,800 cubic feet of water per second into Kala Oya, with the discharge expected to increase to 8,000 cubic feet per second by 9.00 a.m. today (26).
At the Kukule Ganga Reservoir, one spill gate has been opened, releasing 45 cubic metres of water per second. An additional 48 cubic metres per second are being discharged during electricity generation, bringing the total water release into Kuda Ganga to 93 cubic metres per second.
Meanwhile, two emergency spill gates of Kala Wewa have been opened by six inches each, releasing 511 cubic feet of water per second into Kala Oya.
The reservoir is receiving approximately 5,500 cubic feet of water per second through Dambulu Oya, while its water storage has increased to 83,782 acre-feet.
Additionally, two spill gates of the Thabbowa Reservoir, located in the Mee Oya basin, have been opened by half a foot each to control rising water levels.
The Irrigation Department warned that the extent of spill gate openings and water releases could change depending on rainfall in the catchment areas and the volume of water flowing into the reservoirs.
Residents living along Deduru Oya, Kala Oya and other downstream areas have been advised to remain vigilant over possible changes in water levels.
The public has also been urged to follow official announcements and safety instructions issued by the Irrigation Department and disaster management authorities. (Newswire)