A flood warning has been issued by the Irrigation Department for various low-lying areas within the Deduru Oya valley following significant rainfall in the catchment regions.

The department has specifically advised residents and drivers in Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Mahawa, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Chilaw, Arachchikattuwa, and Rasnayakapura Divisional Secretariat (DS) Divisions to be highly vigilant due to the heightened risk of flooding.

The Irrigation Department reported that the Deduru Oya Basin received considerable rainfall across its upstream and mid-stream sections as of 5:00 a.m. today (20).

Crucially, the Deduru Oya Reservoir, which the department manages, is currently spilling, with water being discharged at a rate of 16,250 cubic feet per second.

This substantial discharge increases the potential for flood conditions downstream.

Authorities are urging both local residents and motorists travelling through these nine DS Divisions to exercise extreme caution.

Furthermore, disaster management authorities have been requested to implement appropriate precautionary measures to mitigate any potential impact.