– Four major reservoirs and one medium-scale reservoir were either spilling or had spill gates opened as of noon today (8), the Irrigation Department said.The Department said two major reservoirs, Ambewela and Kande Ela in Badulla, were spilling at one inch.Meanwhile, spill gates at Yan Oya reservoir in Anuradhapura and Deduru Oya reservoir in Kurunegala had been opened.

The discharge from Yan Oya was recorded at 41 cusecs, while Deduru Oya was releasing around 1,400 cusecs.The Bomuruella medium reservoir in Badulla was also spilling at two inches.The Irrigation Department said the total effective storage of the 74 major reservoirs under its management stood at 35.2% as of noon today.Among the districts, Nuwara Eliya recorded the highest effective storage at 99.3%, followed by Kurunegala at 82.5% and Matale at 81.5%.Hambantota recorded 53.9%, while Anuradhapura stood at 45%. Polonnaruwa recorded 40.2%.

The lowest effective storage levels were reported in Mannar at 19.8%, Ampara at 20.2%, Batticaloa at 22.9% and Trincomalee at 26.6%.The Irrigation Department urged people living in downstream areas of reservoirs that are spilling or have their spill gates opened to remain vigilant about changes in river water levels and strictly follow instructions issued by authorities.