Weather: Reservoirs at spill level, heavy rains to continue

COLOMBO (News 1st): The spill gates of Victoria and a number of reservoirs have been opened due to heavy rainfall. According to the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, two spill gates of the Victoria Reservoir opened automatically due to heavy rainfall in the central hills. The Mahaweli river is receiving approximately 150 cubic meters of water per second. Meanwhile, the Randenigala, Rantambe and Upper Kotmale reservoirs have already reached spill level. The Mahaweli Authority says that the spill gates could open at some stage within the course of the day and has warned residents and others in those areas to be vigilant.

Opened sluice gates

• Rajanganaya Reservoir - 2
• Deduru Oya - 4
• Thabbowa Reservoir - 6
• Kukule-Ganga Reservoir - 1
• Lakshapana Reservoir - 1

Met Department predictions

Heavy rains over 100mm will occur at some places in;

• Central Province
• Sabaragamuwa Province
• Uva Province
• Eastern Province
• Galle District
• Matara District
• Polonnaruwa District

Showers or thundershowers are forecast for the Eastern and Northern provinces.

Accidents

Chairman of the National Council for road safety Dr Sisira Kodagoda says that there is an increase in motor accidents due to the prevailing rainfall. Dr Kodagoda said that 36 people have died in motor accidents over the last 5 days.