The Department of Irrigation says 21 major reservoirs and more than 19 medium-scale reservoirs under its management are currently spilling due to increased inflows following recent rainfall.

Director of Irrigation (Water Management), Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath stated that the situation was recorded as of 6.00 a.m. today (May 15).

Among the major reservoirs spilling are the Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa, and Yan Oya reservoirs in the Anuradhapura District, as well as the Ambewela Reservoir, and several reservoirs in the Hambantota District, including Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila Yoda Wewa, and Weheragala Reservoir.

Other reservoirs reported to be spilling include Ambakola Wewa, Usgala Siyambalanduwa, and Magalla in the Kurunegala District, Nalanda and Welmedilla in the Kandy District, Handapanagala and Alikota Ara in Monaragala, Inginimitiya and Tabbowa in Puttalam, and Yodha Wewa in the Mannar District.

As of 6.00 a.m. today, 02 sluice gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir were opened by 03 feet each, releasing over 1,600 cubic feet of water per second into the Kala Oya.

At the Lunugamwehera Reservoir, 06 sluice gates are being opened by 04 inches each, releasing over 1,740 cubic feet per second into the Kirindi Oya, while 06 sluice gates at the Weheragala Reservoir are open by 03 inches each, releasing over 700 cubic feet per second into the Menik Ganga.

At the Alikota Ara Reservoir, 03 sluice gates have been opened by 03 feet each, releasing over 680 cubic feet per second into the Kirinda Oya.

At the Yan Oya Reservoir, 03 sluice gates are open, with one opened by 06 inches and 02 by 04 inches.

As of 6.15 a.m. today, 12 sluice gates of the Thabbowa Reservoir have been opened, releasing around 5,480 cubic feet of water per second into the Mee Oya.

At 7.00 a.m. today, 06 sluice gates of the Inginimitiya Reservoir were opened, releasing about 6,000 cubic feet per second into the Mee Oya.

Meanwhile, 02 sluice gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir have been opened by one foot each, releasing around 1,400 cubic feet per second into the Deduru Oya.

The Department of Irrigation has urged residents living near reservoirs and low-lying areas to remain vigilant amid the prevailing conditions.