Torrential rains wreak havoc in 15 districts

By Ifham Nizam 

Torrential rains have affected 15 districts, and one death has been reported in the Kandy District, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

DMC Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippili yesterday said that three houses had been destroyed and 81 others damaged. Thirty-seven families were sheltered at welfare centres in Kandy and Kurunegala. The Meteorological Department yesterday said that showers or thundershowers would occur countrywide after 1.00 p.m. today. Heavy showers above 100 mm may occur at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northwestern and Uva provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. Showers may occur in the Northern, Eastern and Southern Provinces during the morning as well.

The Met Department has urged the public to take precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a ‘LEVEL 3’ Landslide Early Warning for the several areas in Kandy, Kegalle and Kurunegala districts.

The warning has been issued for Ududumbara DS Division in the Kandy District, Mawathagama and Polgahawela DS Divisions in Kurunegala District and Deraniyagala, Dehiowita, Mawanella, Warakapola, Ruwanwella, Kegalle, Galigamuwa, Yatiyanthota, Aranayake, Bulathkohupitiya and Rambukkana DS Divisions in Kegalle District.

The level Three warning (Colour Code Red) is meant to urgethe people living in the aforementioned at-risk areas to evacuate to a safe location if rains continue.

The Irrigation Department yesterday issued minor flood warnings for several low-lying areas in the Maha Oya River Basin and Deduru Oya basin due to rising river water levels due to heavy rains.Owing to the rainfall situation that occurred in Maha Oya River Basin within the last 36 hours, the river water levels at the upstream areas have been rising considerably.

There is the possibility of minor floods in low-lying areas in the river basin especially in Marandagolla, Nalla, Diwuldeniya and Welihinda villages in Giriulla DS division areas within the next few hours.The Negombo-Kurunegala road faces the threat of inundation near the Giriulla town.

Besides, there is the possibility of a minor flood situation in low-lying areas of the Maha Oya River Basin situated in Alawwa, Mirigama, Pannala, Wennappuwa, Negombo, Katana and Dankotuwa DS divisions.

Those living in these areas and motorists traveling through these areas are requested to remain alert.

The Irrigation Department has also said that as per the rainfall and river water levels observed in upstream areas of the Deduru Oya Basin, there is a possibility of minor floods occurring depending on the upcoming rainfall, the spilling discharge may have to be increased. There is a possibility of floods in low-lying areas of Deduru Oya valley situated in Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Mahawa, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Chilaw, Arachchikattuwa and Rasnayakapura D/S Divisions within next few hours up to 24 hours.