The Irrigation Department has issued a warning of a potential risk of minor flooding in low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River within the next 24 hours.
According to the announcement, the risk has arisen due to rainfall received in certain areas of the Mahaweli River basin since last night, as well as the release of water from reservoirs located in the upper reaches of the Mahaweli Valley.
As a result, residents living in low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River in the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Kinniya, Muthur, Kantale, Seruwila, Welikanda, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala have been advised to remain especially vigilant.
The statement further notes that sections of the Batticaloa–Polonnaruwa road from the Gallella area, the access road to the Somawathi Rajamaha Viharaya, and surrounding areas of the Somawathi Rajamaha Viharaya are also at risk of inundation due to flooding.
Accordingly, the Irrigation Department has urged devotees planning to travel to the Somawathi Rajamaha Viharaya over the next few days, as well as members of the public residing near the Mahaweli River in the affected areas, to exercise heightened caution and take necessary measures to safeguard themselves against possible flooding.
