The Irrigation Department has warned of a risk of minor flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to the Mahaweli River within the next 24 hours.
According to the Department, the potential flooding situation has arisen due to heavy rainfall received in certain parts of the Mahaweli River basin since last night, combined with water releases from upstream reservoirs in the Mahaweli Valley.
As a result, residents living in low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River within the Kinniya, Muthur, Kantale, Seruwila, Welikanda, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been urged to remain especially vigilant.
The Department further stated that the Batticaloa–Polonnaruwa road from the Gallella area, the access road to the Somawathi Rajamaha Viharaya, as well as the surrounding areas of the Somawathi Rajamaha Viharaya, are at risk of being submerged due to flooding.
Accordingly, the Irrigation Department has requested devotees planning to visit the Somawathi Rajamaha Viharaya over the coming days, along with residents living near the Mahaweli River in the affected areas, to exercise extreme caution and take necessary measures to protect themselves from potential flood hazards.
