– The Irrigation Department said 19 major reservoirs across the country were spilling while gates had been opened in nine reservoirs as of 10.00 a.m. today (13), following continued heavy rainfall experienced in several areas.

According to the department’s Water Management Division, reservoirs in districts including Anuradhapura, Hambantota, Kurunegala, Kandy, Monaragala, Mannar, Badulla, Puttalam and Trincomalee were either spilling or releasing water through opened gates.Among the major reservoirs with significant spill discharge were the Rajangana Reservoir in Anuradhapura releasing 9,388 cusecs, the Deduru Oya Reservoir in Kurunegala releasing 5,500 cusecs and the Lunugamwehera Reservoir in Hambantota releasing 4,144 cusecs.

The Ambakola Wewa in Kurunegala was also reported to be spilling while releasing 3,919 cusecs, while the Weheragala Reservoir in Hambantota was releasing 2,444 cusecs.Several reservoirs in the Hambantota District, including Yoda Wewa, Tissa Wewa and Weerawila, were also reported to have opened gates due to rising water levels.

The department further noted that Nachchaduwa, Ambewela, Dewahuwa, Nalanda, Wemedilla and Giant’s Tank were among the reservoirs currently spilling.Authorities urged people living in low-lying areas and near riverbanks to remain vigilant due to the increased water discharge from reservoirs.