Flood threat escalates as Mahaweli River swells

Water levels in several major rivers rose following heavy rainfall, with the Mahaweli Ganga reaching major flood levels at Peradeniya and Nawalapitiya, according to the latest river monitoring data issued at 3.30 p.m.

The water level at the Mahaweli Ganga gauging station in Peradeniya stood at 9.20 metres, exceeding the major flood level of 9 metres, while the Nawalapitiya station recorded 7.85 metres, above its major flood level of 6 metres.

Minor flood conditions were reported in several other locations, including the Kelani Ganga at Kithulgala, Gurugoda Oya at Holombuwa, Seethawaka Ganga at Deraniyagala, Kehelgamu Oya at Norwood, and Kalu Ganga at Ratnapura.

Authorities stated water levels at some locations were beginning to fall while others continued to rise, urging people living near rivers and low-lying areas to remain alert due to ongoing heavy rainfall.