Inclement weather: flood threat looms, schools closed in Puttalam

• Water level rising in main rivers   

By Yohan Perera, Chaturanga Samarawickrama, 
D. G. Sugathapala and Saman Palitha Nanayakkara  

Heavy rainfall that lashed the country triggered flash floods in some areas in the country forcing the authorities concerned to close schools in the Puttalam District, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).  

The DMC reported that 19,234 people belonging to 4,786 families were affected by inclement weather conditions. The Puttalam District was the worst hit, with 4,759 affected families from the area alone.

• landslide warnings issued for the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Colombo and Gampaha

Some low-lying areas in the Galle District including Dangedara and Deddugoda were under water according to our correspondents in the area. The Navy was put on alert to face any possible emergency situation in the district.   

People living in the basin of rivers called Kelani Ganga, Nilwala Ganga, Bentara Ganga, Maha Oya, Gin Ganga and Kalu Ganga were asked to be vigilant as there were threats of flash floods in these areas. Director -Department of Irrigation S. P. C. Sugeeswara said water levels of these rivers were rising.   

Five spill gates of Ulhitiya reservoir were opened as the water level increased. Water level was rising in Attanagalu Oya in the Gampaha District.   

Some areas have received a rainfall of 200 mm as of yesterday according to DMC. Puttalam received a rainfall of 212.5mm, Kesbewa 204. 5mm, Ratmalana 144.1mm, Colombo 113mm while Avissawella received a rainfall of 107mm.  

The Department of Meteorology forecasts rains exceeding 150mm in Western and North Western provinces and 100mm of rain in Sabaragamuwa Province, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Mannar Districts in the coming days due to South West Monsoon which is getting active.   

Meanwhile National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued landslide warnings for the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Colombo and Gampaha.