Reservoirs overflow with heavy showers

• People warned to be cautious of imminent flood threats if the prevailing inclement weather persists

By Situm Chaturanga, Kanchana Kumara and Dayarathne Embogama

 All the 14 spill gates in Iranamadu reservoir in Kilinochchi opened in the early hours of yesterday when it overflowed.   

 Provincial Director of Irrigation N. Sudakaran said the reservoir overflowed yesterday due to the incessant rain experienced in the area at present.   He warned people living in the low lying areas of the canals transmitting spill water to be cautious of imminent flood threats if the prevailing inclement weather persisted.    He said it was for the first time this year that the reservoir spilt over. He said Iranamadu reservoir is the main source of irrigation for agriculture in several areas including Kilinochchi, Paranthan, Pooneryn in the Northern Province.   

 Meanwhile Kandalama reservoir in Dambulla overflowed last morning for the second time for this year and the spill water was flowing through Kudthamanela canal and Mirigoniyawa oya into Kalawewa.   

Police have warned people not to bathe in the reservoir due to possible danger to life. Police Life Guard Unit has put up notice boards with red flags warning of the danger.   

 Spill gates in Rajangana and Angamuwa reservoirs were opened yesterday afternoon to release excess water when the two reservoirs reached spill over level.   

 Anuradhapura Zonal Director of Education Jayantha De Silva said 12 spill gates in Rajangana reservoir were opened to release excess water at a speed of 13,000 cu.ft per second, and two spill gates in Angamuwa reservoir to release spill water at a speed of 1950cu.ft per second. He further said the other spill gates would be opened if the heavy rainfall persisted.