The Department of Irrigation has issued flood warnings to the Kelani, Malwathu Oya, and Deduru Oya River Basins, effective until November 29, due to high rainfall experienced in the areas. 

According to the department, a minor flood situation is expected in low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley near the Ruwanwella D/S Division within the next 24 hours.

Flood warnings – Kelani River Basin

A considerable rainfall has occurred in most of the upper catchment areas of the Kelani River Basin as of 3.00 am today. By analyzing the current rainfall situation and river water levels of Hydrological Stations in the Kelani River, there is a possibility of a minor flood situation in low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley situated in Ruwanwella D/S Division within the next 24 hours. Residents in those areas and motorists running through those areas have been requested to pay close attention to the warnings. Disaster Management Authorities are requested to take adequate precautions in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department warned that the water level of the Malwathu Oya is currently approaching the minor flood level. 

Flood warnings – Malwathu Oya Basin

Significant rainfall has been received over the Malwathu Oya Basin. Based on the recorded rainfall and the readings of the hydrological gauges maintained within the basin by the Department of Irrigation, the water level of the Malwathu Oya is currently approaching the minor flood level. Accordingly, it is hereby warned that a minor flood situation may occur in the low-lying areas of the floodplain belonging to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Vengalacheddikulam, Madhu, Musalai and Nanaddan located in the lower reaches of the basin, and that the water level may further rise in the coming hours. The general public residing in these areas, as well as drivers and passengers travelling through these regions, are kindly requested to exercise extreme caution and remain highly vigilant regarding this situation. Relevant disaster management authorities are requested to take necessary and appropriate actions in this regard. 

The Irrigation Department further warned that the prevailing flood situation in the lower valley areas of the Deduru Oya Basin is likely to intensify up to a major flood level. 

Flood warnings – Deduru Oya Basin

Due to the significant rainfall continuously received over the upper and middle catchment areas of the Deduru Oya Basin during the past 24 hours, and the ongoing release of water through the spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir at a discharge rate of approximately 33,000 cubic feet per second into the Deduru Oya, it is hereby warned that the prevailing flood situation in the lower valley areas of the Deduru Oya Basin is likely to intensify up to a major flood level. According to the observations of the Irrigation Department’s gauging stations, this critical flood risk applies to the areas belonging to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Mahawa, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Chilaw, Arachchikattuwa and Rasnayakapura. Furthermore, the flood warning previously issued under my reference number DI/Hydro/103(V) through Flood Warning Bulletin No. 03 for the Deduru Oya Basin at 9.00 p.m. on 26 November 2025 is hereby extended for a further period of 48 hours. The general public residing in these areas, as well as vehicle drivers travelling through the affected routes, are kindly requested to act with extreme caution and to remain highly vigilant in view of this situation. Relevant disaster management authorities are also requested to take all necessary measures in this regard. (Newswire)

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The Department of Irrigation has issued flood warnings for areas in the vicinity of the Heda Oya Basin, Kumbukkan Oya Basin, and the Mahaweli Basin.

The flood warning for the Heda Oya Basin, valid until 3.30 pm on November 28, is as follows;

Due to heavy rainfall received last night in parts of Ampara and Monaragala districts, there is a possibility of flooding in low‑lying areas around Heda Oya, particularly in Siyambalanduwa and Lahugala Divisional Secretariat divisions. 

Residents and travellers are advised to take adequate precautions, while disaster management authorities are requested to act accordingly.  

The flood warning issued for the Kumbukkan Oya Basin, valid until 4.00 pm tomorrow (27), is as follows;

Rainfall in the catchment areas of the Kumbukkan Oya Basin since last night may cause flooding within the next 24 hours in low‑lying areas along the river in Monaragala DS Division (including Nakkala, Kumbukkana, and Maduruketiyia GN divisions) and in Buttala DS Division (including Okkampitiya and Gaminipura GN divisions). 

Residents near the river, motorists, and passengers are requested to remain vigilant and take necessary measures. Disaster management authorities are urged to take appropriate action. 

The flood warning for the Mahaweli Basin, valid until 2.00 pm on November 28, is as follows;

Rainfall in catchment areas of the Mahaweli River since last night may lead to flooding within the next 48 hours in low‑lying areas along the river in the DS divisions of Kinniya, Muttur, Kantale, Seruvila, Welikanda, Medirigiriya, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala. 

There is also a risk of inundation along the Batticaloa–Polonnaruwa Road (Gallelle area), the access road to Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara, and the surrounding areas. Devotees are requested to avoid travel to Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara until further notice. 

Residents near the Mahaweli River are advised to remain highly vigilant and take protective measures. Disaster management authorities are requested to act accordingly. (Newswire)

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Officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, and Urban Development, Construction, and Housing have been instructed to take all necessary measures to minimize potential flooding in the Matara district due to heavy rainfall.

The directive was given by Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake during a meeting with officials from all relevant ministries and institutions held at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (12 Mar). 

The progress of a previous discussion on the project of the Salinity Barrier across the Nilwala River, led by the Secretary to the President, was reviewed during the meeting. 

Various short-term and long-term measures to control the flooding in the Matara region caused by the barrier were proposed, and all parties agreed to take the necessary steps. The meeting also assessed the progress of these proposed actions.

Accordingly, officials informed that the University of Peradeniya and its affiliated Engineering Design Center have been assigned to study and report on long-term solutions. It was also stated that the proposed solutions would take into account the issues that have arisen following the Construction of the Salinity Barrier.

As short-term solutions, officials reported that steps have already been taken to remove fallen trees and other obstructions in the river to ensure faster water drainage during emergencies. Additionally, canal banks are being cleaned, and the temporary salinity barrier, previously constructed with sandbags by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, has been removed.

Furthermore, by April, measures will be taken to deepen the Nilwala estuary and canal routes to temporarily retain excess water during flood situations. The Irrigation Department also proposed increasing the capacity of the water pumps currently used to accelerate water drainage, they further informed. 

The Secretary to the President Dr. Kumanayake also instructed that all measures taken on this matter be reported to the Matara District Development Committee.

Measures are being taken to address flooding in the Matara District as local residents and farmers have expressed concerns that the Nilwala Salinity Barrier has exacerbated flooding and led to saltwater intrusion into paddy fields, resulting in crop damage. (Newswire)

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The Police say the bodies of two children reported missing after a tractor was swept away in flood waters in Karaitivu, were recovered this morning. 

According to the Police, a tractor carrying 11 schoolchildren and another individual had toppled over after being swept away in flood waters on a bridge near the Karaitivu bus stand yesterday.

Five of the children were rescued, while six other children, the driver of the tractor and his assistant were reported missing.

The Police said the bodies of two children were recovered this morning, while the other four children and two men remain missing.

Search operations jointly conducted by the Police Lifeguards, and Navy and Army personnel are continuing, they added. (Newswire)

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Flood warnings have been issued to several areas due to the rising water levels of the Kelani, Nilwala, and Mahaweli Rivers, and the Yan, Malwathu, Dedeuru, and Maha Oyas as a result of heavy rains experienced across Sri Lanka.

Due to heavy rainfall received in some areas of Anuradhapura, Vauniya and Mannar districts last night, a warning has been issued of the possibility of floods in the low-lying areas around the Malwathu Oya situated near the Mahawilachchiya, Vengalacheddikulam, Nanaddan, Mussalai and Madhu District Secretariat Divisions. 

The irrigation Department has warned that the rate of water released from Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, Kawdulla, Yan, and Parakrama reservoirs may increase today due to the heavy rainfall reported in several areas. 

The Irrigation Department has also warned of the possibility of floods in the low-lying areas of Kala Oya situated in Nochchiyagama, Rajanganaya, Vanathavilluwa and Karuwalagaswewa District Secretariat Divisions within the next 48 hours.

Residents and motorists have been requested to remain vigilant of floods due to the prevalent inclement weather in the country. (Newswire)

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• Train services : 

Obstructions have been caused to train services on the up-country line due to landslides as a result of the prevalent inclement weather conditions.

Sri Lanka railway says landslides and earth slips have been reported on the railway line between Badulla and Bandarawela. As such, train services will only operate until the Nanu-Oya Railway Station. 

• Landslide warnings;

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings to a large number of divisional secretariats in 09 districts effective until midnight today. 

Accordingly, yellow and amber alerts have been issued to the Badulla, Kandy, Matatle, and Nuwara Eliya districts, while yellow alerts have been issued to the Galle, Kalutara, Kegalle, Matara, and Ratnapura districts. 

• Flood warnings;

Due to heavy rainfall received last night in some areas of Ampara and Monaragala districts, there is a possibility of a flood situation in low-lying areas around Heda Oya situated in Siyambalanduwa and Lahugala Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

Due to heavy rainfall received last night in some areas of the Mahaweli catchment, there is a possibility of a flood situation in the low-lying areas around Mahaweli River situated in Dimbulagala, Echchilampattai, Hingurakgoda, Kantalai, Kinniya, Koralai Pattu North, Lankapura, Medirigiriya, Muttur, Seruvila, Thamankaduwa, Thampalakamam and Welikanda Divisional Secretariat Divisions. Residents and motorists have been requested to remain vigilant in this regard. 

A major flood has been reported in the Padiyathalawa area due to a rise in the water levels of the Maduru Oya, while a minor flood situation has been reported in the Thalgahagoda area due to a rise in the water levels of the Nilwala River. Flood alerts have been issued to the Panadugama area due to the Nilwala River, the Thaldena area due to the Mahaweli River, and the Horowpathana area due to Yan-Oya. 

• Situation summary;

A total of 55,416 persons from 15,670 families have been severely affected due to the prevalent inclement weather conditions experienced across 12 districts in Sri Lanka. As of 06.00 am today, 1696 persons from 526 families have been placed in 20 safety shelters. One person was reported dead in the Bandarawela area today. (Newswire)

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The Chinese Government has decided to provide further financial aid of approximately Rs. 400 million to Sri Lanka for flood relief.

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka announced that the Chinese Government is to provide a batch of Emergency Humanitarian Materials.

The Embassy added that this was in addition to a recent Emergency Assistance of approximately Rs.30 million in cash that was handed over to the President of Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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More than 200 people have died in Nepal as a result of extreme weather conditions during this year’s monsoon season. Incessant rain lashed much of eastern and central Nepal, causing devastating floods. The Kathmandu Valley was badly hit. On October 2, Nepal’s government said 224 people had so far been confirmed dead, while more than 150 others were injured and 24 people were missing.

In addition to the loss of life, many homes, power plants, and roads have been damaged by floods and landslides.

“I’ve never before seen flooding on this scale in Kathmandu,” said Arun Bhakta Shrestha, the climate and environmental risks lead at the Hindu Kush Himalayan knowledge center, part of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

The disaster serves as a reminder of Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, including the risks associated with melting glaciers.

In recent years, many glaciers in the Himalayan region have retreated, with melt water collection in glacial lakes. If these lakes burst, they have the potential to cause massive floods, endangering downstream communities.

And Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology claims that China has been withholding vital information on glacial lakes under its control in Tibet.

Department head Jagadishwor Karmacharya told the website Climate News that it is essential to obtain transparent information from the Chinese government in order to reduce the impact of floods.

Karmacharya said that China, Nepal, and India must collaborate to prevent disasters, adding that Nepal has been asking China for many years to supply data about its glacial lakes but China has not met promises to do so.

Tibet – which the People’s Republic of China manages as the Tibet Autonomous Region – has sometimes been described by geologists as Asia’s water tower. Many major rivers start there, which supply water to nearly two billion people downstream.

China is sensitive to external criticism that its governance of Tibet is marked by an irresponsible approach toward the environment.

“Poor environmental tactics have displaced Tibetan communities, destroyed religious sites, and degraded local ecosystems,” according to International Campaign for Tibet President, Tencho Gyatso. In his view, climate change – as well as an expansive hydropower dam network, extractive industries, and grassland degradation – threaten sustainable water management of Tibet’s water resources.

“China’s occupation and isolation of Tibet creates a global blind spot, which puts at risk the lives and livelihoods of 1.8 billion people downstream,” said Gyatso.

Earlier this year, a team of scientists published an article in the scientific journal Nature Geoscience that warned of the widespread societal and economic impact of expansion of the glacial lakes on the Tibetan Plateau.

The researchers said that “in the absence of hazard mitigation measures, lake expansion is projected to submerge critical human infrastructure, including more than 1,000 km of roads, approximately 500 settlements and around 10,000 sq km of ecological components, such as grasslands, wetlands and croplands.”

The scientists called for an international effort involving many countries, including China and Nepal, to address the problem. (The Diplomat)

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The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has informed the public of the process to be followed to obtain the government-provided funds to clean flood-hit houses.

The government recently announced that Rs. 10,000 will be provided per family to help clean their houses affected by floods as a result of the inclement weather experienced in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the media today, Director of the DMC Pradeep Kodipilli said the following documents are necessary to be eligible for government aid. 

• Grama Niladhari certificate
• A recommendation from the Grama Niladhari officer

Moreover, Pradeep Kodipilli revealed that the water levels have receded in several areas with only minor floods being reported in some areas.

According to the DMC’s situation report as of today, 60 houses have been fully damaged and 5348 houses have been partially damaged due to adverse weather experienced since June 01. (Newswire) 

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The government has decided to provide financial assistance to help people clean their flood-hit houses.

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said the government will provide Rs.10,000 per family for this purpose.

Several areas in Sri Lanka are inundated due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the country.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), a red alert for major floods has been issued to the Millakanda area due to the Kalu Ganga.

Amber alerts for minor floods have been issued to the Putupaula area due to the Kalu Ganga, the Baddegama area due to Gin Ganga, and the Thalgahagoda area due to Nilwala Ganga. 

Meanwhile, yellow alerts have been issued to the Ellagawa area due to the Kalu Ganga and the Panadugama area due to the Nilwala Ganga. 

As per the DMC report issued this afternoon, the water levels in some areas are receding and most other areas have returned to normal. (Newswire)

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Three members of the same family, including a seven-year-old girl, have tragically died after being swept away by floodwaters in Puwakpitiya, Avissawella.

The victims, a man, his daughter, and granddaughter, were caught in the floodwaters between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. today. Police said flooding occurred in an inundated canal near their home, following heavy rains.

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