• Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the coming days, with the Department of Meteorology warning the prevailing atmospheric disturbance could develop into a low-pressure area today (11).

Speaking to the media yesterday (10), Acting Meteorologist Malith Fernando said the current weather pattern remains a pre-monsoon condition and that monsoon conditions are expected to develop around 20 May following the formation and intensification of the low-pressure system.Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation announced that nine major reservoirs and five medium-scale reservoirs are currently spilling due to the prevailing rainfall.Director of Irrigation and Water Management Engineer H.M.D.P.S.D. Herath said the spilling reservoirs include the Lunugamwehera Reservoir, Weheragala Reservoir, Rajanganaya Reservoir and Deduru Oya Reservoir.

According to the Department, six spill gates of the Lunugamwehera Reservoir have been opened, releasing over 4,000 cubic feet of water per second into the Kirindi Oya.Similarly, six spill gates of the Weheragala Reservoir have been opened, discharging more than 1,400 cubic feet of water per second into the Menik Ganga.Eight spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir have also been opened, releasing over 9,300 cubic feet of water per second into the Kala Oya, while four spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir have been opened, discharging 5,500 cubic feet of water per second into the Deduru Oya.

In addition, three spill gates of the Alikota Ara Reservoir have been opened, releasing more than 500 cubic feet of water per second into the Kirindi Oya.

Authorities have urged residents living in low-lying areas downstream of the reservoirs and those residing nearby to remain alert regarding spill notifications and water release levels.

The Irrigation Department further noted that the volume of water being released could change depending on incoming water levels and future rainfall conditions, stressing the importance of closely monitoring official announcements related to reservoir water levels and spill gate operations.

Meanwhile, Senior Geologist of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Wasantha Senadheera warned that landslide-prone areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah remain vulnerable.

He said large and medium-sized rocks had become exposed due to soil erosion and could roll down even with minor rainfall.

He further noted that several currently inactive areas could become active again due to the expected rains.

Accordingly, Stage One landslide warnings have been issued to the Passara Divisional Secretariat Division in the Badulla District and the Badalkumbura and Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Monaragala District.

Chief Engineer of the Hydrology Division of the Irrigation Department Chamara Yapaarachchi said the Disaster Management Division and the Hydrology Management Division are closely monitoring the situation based on warnings issued by the Meteorology Department.

He added that although river water levels had increased slightly due to the rainfall received so far, they had not yet reached dangerous levels.

He also noted that water levels in the Kirindi Oya, Walawe, Deduru Oya, Malwathu Oya, Kelani and Kalu river basins had risen slightly and advised residents living nearby to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, Disaster Management Centre Director Pradeep Kodippili said the DMC had coordinated with all 25 districts on 8 May to discuss possible future disaster situations.

He said community awareness programmes are continuously being conducted for people living in river basins and landslide-prone areas.

Kodippili urged the public to remain alert to signs of landslides and requested them to contact the 117 emergency hotline or the respective District Disaster Management Units in the event of an emergency.