Major flood risk to Mahaweli River basin: Emergency red notice to 10 Divisional Secretariat divisions

A severe risk of a major flood situation occurring within the next 48 hours exists due to heavy rainfall received in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River and the risk of opening the spill gates of the Kotmale Reservoir, the Department of Irrigation announces.

Accordingly, the Red level emergency warning notice number 01, issued today (03) at 1 p.m., will remain valid until 1 p.m. on August 05.

The major flood warning was issued for the following Divisional Secretariat divisions located in the low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River:
Udunuwara
Udapalatha
Yatinuwara
Doluwa
Kotmale
Pasbage Korale
Ganga Ihala Korale
Gangawata Korale
Harispattuwa
Pathadumbara

The Department of Irrigation strongly requests the public living in low-lying areas close to the Mahaweli River in the relevant areas to remain highly vigilant regarding the prevailing situation and to take all necessary precautionary measures to protect themselves from potential flood situations.