Colombo, Oct. 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Irrigation Department has warned of a potential flood risk in several low-lying areas along the Deduru Oya as heavy rainfall in the river basin has pushed water levels close to flood level.
The Department said water was being released from the Deduru Oya Reservoir at a rate of approximately 16,500 cubic feet per second following the opening of its spillway gates.
“Due to the significant rainfall experienced in the upper and middle reaches of the Deduru Oya Basin, the water level of the Deduru Oya is currently approaching flood level,” the Department said.
It warned that the rate of water release could be increased further depending on the volume of water flowing into the reservoir.
The Department identified a potential flood risk in the lower reaches of the river valley and surrounding low-lying areas within the Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Maho, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Chilaw, Arachchikattuwa and Rasnayakapura Divisional Secretariat Divisions.
The public residing in these areas has been urged to remain vigilant, while motorists travelling along roads in the affected areas have been advised to exercise extreme caution.
The Department also requested disaster management authorities to take the necessary precautionary measures in response to the situation.