Heavy rain expected as atmospheric disturbance likely to intensify

Showers across many parts of the island are expected to increase as a lower atmospheric disturbance near the country may develop into a low-pressure area by tomorrow. The Department of Meteorology noted that the Southwest Monsoon will likely establish itself over the island by the 20th of this month.

Spill gates of nine major reservoirs and five medium-scale reservoirs remained open this morning due to the prevailing wet weather, according to the Irrigation Department. Meanwhile, stage one landslide warnings continue for the Passara Divisional Secretariat in the Badulla District, as well as the Badalkumbura and Wellawaya areas in the Monaragala District.

Heavy rain exceeding 100 mm is forecast today for parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, North Western, and Northern provinces, as well as the Anuradhapura District. A large tree collapsed onto a road in Passara last night following intense rainfall, while the road from Aukana to Kekirawa near the Aukana Temple currently stays submerged, disrupting traffic.

The Uda Deltota bridge in the Deltota Galaha area subsided following yesterday’s rain, hindering transport on the route connecting Sriyagama, Bellwood, and Thalathuoya to Kandy. Furthermore, a temporary bridge built by residents in Madugastalawa—following the destruction of a previous footbridge during Cyclone Ditwa—was washed away last night by the flow of the Loggal Oya.

Senior Scientist Vasantha Senadheera of the National Building Research Organisation urged those living in mountainous regions to remain vigilant, as the current rainfall could trigger active landslides.