Heavy rains to continue as landslide warnings remain in place

Colombo (News1st): Landslide warnings have been issued to many places across the country due to the prevailing weather. Paddy fields in Rajarata that were affected by the drought, are now experiencing heavy rains. The entry road to the sacred city of Anuradhapura has been inundated. Six spill-gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir were closed at 6 AM today (October 09) meanwhile two spill-gates of the Angamuwa reservoir were opened to release excess water into the Kala Oya. Our correspondents in the field report that the water levels of the Maminiya,Rambewa, Kadahathawawe and the Mamankadawala tanks are rising due to the inclement weather. Moreover, the spill- gates of the Polgolla Reservoir are being frequently opened to control the water levels of the Mahaveli River. Five houses in Niweligama, Hatton face the risk of landslides and residents of 23 houses have been asked to evacuate immediately by the police. Nearly 63 individuals residing in the Koslanda area have been evacuated to safer grounds, due to the prevailing risk of landslides. A boat carrying three fishermen, that set sail from the Seenakkuda area in Trincomalee has capsized, killing one fisherman. Meanwhile, another boat that set off from the Kandaladi Fisheries harbour capsized last evening and the fisherman is still missing. The Navy has commenced a search operation to locate the fisherman. President's instructions President Sirisena, who is currently on an official visit to Seychelles, has instructed Minister of Disaster Management Duminda Dissanayaka, to provide relief to those affected without making financial matters a concern. The President has instructed the Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, to obtain the assistance of the armed forces to provide relief services. Further, the Meteorological Department predicts heavy showers to continue.