Heavy Rainfall Exceeding 100mm Expected Across Several Provinces

COLOMBO (News1st); The Department of Meteorology states that heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is expected in several areas across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara districts.

The Department of Meteorology advises the public to take necessary precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology noted that wind speeds in the sea areas from Mullaittivu through Kankesanthurai to Puttalam may increase up to 40 km/h at times.

During thundershowers, temporary strong gusty winds reaching speeds of 60 to 70 km/h can be expected in these sea areas, causing them to become temporarily very rough.

As of 5:30 AM today, the highest rainfall was reported from the Deniyaya area, measuring 162.5 mm.

Rainfalls of 139 mm in Udugama and 115 mm in Dehiowita (Deraniyagala) were also recorded.

Due to the prevailing heavy rains, water levels in the Ging, Kalu, and Kelani rivers, as well as the Attanagalu Oya, have risen.

L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the Hydrology Unit of the Irrigation Department, stated that a minor flood situation could occur within the next few hours in the downstream areas of the Gin River, specifically in the Nagoda, Baddegama, and Welivitiya-Divithura Divisional Secretariat divisions.

Meanwhile, a minor flood warning has been issued for regions surrounding the Attanagalu Oya due to the heavy rainfall.

The Irrigation Department stated that the water level of the Attanagalu Oya is rising due to heavy rains in its upper and middle catchments and the opening of spill gates at the Basnagoda Reservoir.

Consequently, there is a risk of flooding in the low-lying areas of the Attanagalu Oya and Uruwal Oya basins within the Divulapitiya, Mirigama, Attanagalla, Mahara, Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Ja-Ela, Katana, and Wattala Divisional Secretariat divisions in the coming hours.