Minor floods in Balangoda and Ratnapura

The Balangoda Town was inundated following a heavy downpour today.

"Balangoda bus stand and multiple houses were flooded as several waterways were clogged," speaking to News 1st Balangoda Divisional Secretary Hemantha Bandara said.

The Department of Irrigation said the Kalu River and the Gin River have exceeded minor flood levels. The Ratnapura District Secretary issued instructions to evacuate families from high-risk areas to prepare for a major flood situation.

"Water level of the Kalu River is rising towards a major flood in Ratnapura," Malini Lokupothagama, the District Secretary of Ratnapura said.

She added the Seevali Grounds in Ratnapura is flooded and irrigation officials have noted the flood situation would be similar to what was experienced back in 2018. She went on to note that 100mm of rain was experienced within 01 hours in Ratnapura adding warnings were issued to the locals on multiple occasions. The District Secretary added Search and Rescue Operators from the armed forces are on standby to address any emergency.

"People living in high-risk areas are instructed to be moved to camps and requested the general public to always remain vigilant over rising floodwater" the District Secretary said.