The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) yesterday said that water levels of all major rivers across the country remained at normal levels despite intermittent heavy showers in several districts over the weekend.
DMC Deputy Director (Media) Pradeep Kodippili told The Island that although rainfall was reported in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern Provinces, no major flood alerts had been issued by the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka.
“According to the latest report issued at 12.30 p.m. on Sunday (26), water levels at key monitoring stations, including Nagalagam Street, Hanwella, Glencourse, and Kithulgala, along the Kelani River, remain well below the minor-flood level,” Kodippili said. He added that the situation in Ratnapura, Baddegama, Panadugama, and other low-lying areas was also being closely monitored.
The DMC, however, urged residents, living in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall in upper catchments could lead to a rapid rise in river levels. “People living along riverbanks, particularly those near the Kelani, Kalu, Gin, Nilwala and Maha Oya basins, should be alert and follow the instructions issued by local authorities,” Kodippili said.
According to the Irrigation Department’s Hydrology and Disaster Management Division, water levels at Kuda Ganga (Millakanda) remained at an alert level of 6.47 metres but showed a falling trend by noon. All other rivers, including Kalu Ganga at Ratnapura and Ellagawa, and Gin Ganga at Baddegama, were at normal levels.
Director of Hydrology and Disaster Management, Eng. L. S. Sooriyabandara, said that the Department’s monitoring network continues to provide hourly updates. “We are maintaining a close watch on the Kelani and Kalu river basins, where minor fluctuations are common during this period.
If rainfall continues in upper catchments, alerts will be issued promptly.”
The report, prepared by the Irrigation Department, noted that no significant rainfall was recorded in most catchment areas as of noon Sunday.
Forecast for Key Districts
According to the DM and other weather-forecast providers:
In the Western Province (including the Colombo district and neighbouring low-lying areas), the outlook is for showers and thunderstorms over the next several days, with rainfall totals around 1.2 – 2.6 inches (30 – 65 mm) expected for some days.
For Colombo in particular, the forecast shows 100% chance of rain today, with rainfall possibly reaching 1 to 2 inches (25 – 50 mm) and high humidity levels (~95%) paving way for widespread showers and thunderstorms.
In hill-and-catchment districts upstream, the rain-and-thunder outlook remains elevated, meaning that rapid rises in river levels cannot be ruled out if rainfall is concentrated.
Kodippili said the DMC is taking the forecasts seriously. “Although the overall river levels remain normal at present, the predicted heavy showers in the Western catchments warrant heightened readiness. Flash flooding is not the current status, but we cannot afford complacency,” he said.
Meteorologists emphasise that heavy rain in the upper catchments of the Kelani and Kalu basins can trigger rapid rises even if downstream river gauges currently show safe levels.
Public Advisory
Authorities reminded the public to:
Avoid bathing or swimming in overflowing rivers and streams, especially in the evening when thunderstorms are more likely.
Avoid travelling unnecessarily in hilly roads, and take precautions if in vulnerable low-lying river-bank communities.
Monitor media and local authority alerts for river-level changes and evacuation instructions.
“Let us not become complacent because the rivers appear calm right now,” Kodippili said. “The window of risk increases when heavy rain falls upstream and the water cascades into the basins.”
Sooriyabandara added: “Our monitoring is continuous. We will not hesitate to issue a flood-warning if river levels begin to rise rapidly. Residents are urged to stay within communication range and heed local DO-services’ advice.”
By Ifham Nizam 