Floods inundate 95,000 acres of paddy fields, reservoirs stabilised: Dept. of Irrigation

By Leenah Wahab   

The recent floods have caused widespread damage, submerging approximately 95,000 acres of paddy fields, officials reported yesterday.  

Director of Irrigation and Water Management at the Department of Irrigation, L.M.W. Rathnasiri, said major reservoirs are now under control despite the challenges posed by the heavy rains. “Out of the country’s 73 major reservoirs, 19 were spilling during the peak of the floods, along with 33 of the 171 medium reservoirs,” he said.    Rathnasiri stated that while the total capacity of major reservoirs is 78.1 million acre-feet, their current gross capacity stands at 3.1 million acre-feet. Post-flood, the reservoirs now hold approximately 4.46 million acre-feet of water, with the operational capacity reduced to 2.46 million acre-feet.    “There has been no significant damage to the reservoirs,” Rathnasiri assured. “Only minimal spilling occurred, and the situation is now fully under control as all reservoirs have been drained to safe levels.”   

However, he noted that some field canals in flood-hit areas, particularly in Ampara, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa, suffered damage. The Irrigation Department also played a critical role in evacuating residents from flooded regions. “During the spilling period, we issued alarms to ensure people evacuated these areas for their safety,” Rathnasiri said.