Over 76,000 Affected as Heavy Rains Cause Widespread Flooding in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st): 
The Department of Irrigation reports ongoing minor flooding in the Kelani and Kalu rivers, as well as the Attanagalu Oya, due to the prevailing heavy showers.

The Kelani River is currently at a minor flooding level near Nagalagam Street and has reached a caution level in Hanwella.

The Kuda River, a tributary of the Kalu River, has also experienced minor flooding in Millakanda and Putupaula.

The Attanagalu Oya is facing minor flooding, particularly from Dunumala, while the Gin River is at a caution level in Baddegama.

Landslide warnings remain in effect for eight districts: Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Galle, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura.

The adverse weather has affected approximately 76,218 people from 18,795 families, as confirmed by the Disaster Management Centre.

Director General of the DMC retired Major General Udaya Herath said that 3,560 people from 986 families are currently being sheltered in 38 safe locations.

The Gampaha district has reported the highest number of affected residents, totaling 68,672.

Across Sri Lanka, there have been 233 instances of partial house damage reported.

Due to the floods, the Road Development Authority has warned of obstructions on numerous routes, including the entry and exit points at the Kadawatha interchange on the expressway, which remain closed.

Train services along the Puttalam route are also limited up to Lunuwila due to flooding in Tummodara.

Sri Lanka Navy has also deployed six flood relief teams in various locations across the Gampaha and Colombo districts, with an additional 24 disaster relief teams from the Western Naval Command on standby for immediate deployment.

Additional relief teams from the Southern and North Central Naval Commands have also been prepared.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has urged officials to expedite relief efforts for affected communities, emphasizing the importance of public safety.

A budget of Rs. 50 million has been allocated for relief operations.

The prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue due to the development of atmospheric disturbances near Sri Lanka.

Showers or thundershowers are likely at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Northwestern, Central, and Northern provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a red alert for strong winds and rough seas.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle are expected to be very rough at times, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 60 to 70 km/h.

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into these seas until further notice.