Floods in low-lying areas of Nilwala River to continue

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Irrigation said the flood situation in the low-lying areas of the Nilwala River will continue on Wednesday (25).

Director (Hydrology & Disaster Management) of the Irrigation Department Engineer S.P.C Sugeeshwara said the water level of the Kirindi Oya, which had risen due to showers on Tuesday (24) night, has now decreased to normal levels.

He added that the capacity of some water bodies may suddenly increase due to heavy showers experienced within a short period of time.

Meanwhile, one lane of the Ella-Wellawaya road which was blocked as a result of trees falling and mounds of earth collapsing due to heavy showers in Hunuketiya, Randeniya, has now been opened for traffic.

Deputy Director of the Monaragala District Disaster Management Coordinating Unit A.H. Ravindra Kumara said the Kumbukkana-Okkampitiya road continues to be blocked due to the falling of a dead tree in the 2nd-mile post area.

The Hingurukaduwa-Passara road has been blocked due to landslides at three places.

The Badalkumbura-Monaragala road was blocked on Tuesday (24) night after a tree branch fell in the 11th-mile post area.

Ravindra Kumara said around 20 houses in the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat were inundated on Tuesday (24) night due to the overflowing of the Kirindi Oya, adding that the floodwaters have now receded in those areas.

The Department of Meteorology predicted showers or thundershowers at several places in most provinces of the island after 1pm.

The Department predicted fairly heavy showers of about 50mm in the Sabaragamuwa province and in the Galle and Matara districts.

The landslide warning issued in 10 districts has also been extended till Wednesday (25) afternoon, due to the prevailing heavy showers.

The landslide warnings were issued to several divisional secretariats in the Badulla, Hambantota, Matara, Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Nuwara Eliya districts.