– Spill gates of three major reservoirs have been opened, while two other major reservoirs and two medium-sized reservoirs are spilling, according to the Irrigation Department.In its water management report issued at 12.30 p.m. yesterday (11), the department said spill gates at Yan Oya and Rajangana reservoirs in Anuradhapura District and Deduru Oya reservoir in Kurunegala District had been opened.Deduru Oya recorded the highest discharge at 2,800 cusecs, followed by Rajangana at 502 cusecs and Yan Oya at 67.7 cusecs.

Kande Ela tank in Nuwara Eliya District and Wan Ela in Trincomalee District were also spilling. Among the medium-sized reservoirs, Bomuruella in Badulla District and Denagama Wewa in Galle District were reported to be spilling. Meanwhile, the effective storage of the 74 major reservoirs managed by the Irrigation Department stood at 35 per cent of their total capacity.

Matale recorded the highest effective storage level at 86.1 per cent, followed by Nuwara Eliya at 99.3 per cent, Kurunegala at 82 per cent and Matara at 77.9 per cent.The department urged people living in downstream areas of reservoirs that are spilling or have opened spill gates to remain vigilant about changes in river water levels and follow instructions issued by the Irrigation Department and local authorities.