DMC ISSUES WARNINGS FOR SEVERAL AREAS

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has issued landslide and flood warnings for several areas across the island due to the heavy rains being experienced.

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has advised the public to be vigilant of possible landslides, cutting failures and rock falls.

Residents of Eheliyagoda in Ratnapura living in landslide-prone zones have been advised to evacuate.

The NBRO has also asked the public to be prepared to evacuate if the need arises, as the country has received a rainfall of over 100 mm in the past 24 hours. These warnings have been specifically issued for the Galle, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts.

Meanwhile, water levels of Kukuleganga have also risen resulting in two sluice gates being opened. The Disaster Management Centre has advised the residents of Palinda Nuwara, Agalawatta, Baduraliya, Ingiriya and Madurawala to be vigilant.

Rains have also caused the water levels of the Kalu Ganga to rise in the Ratnapura and Millakanda area. According to the DMC, minor floods have also been reported in the Pandulagama area as the water levels of the Nilwala river has continued to rise.

According to the DMC, water levels of the Kalu, Nilwala, and Gin rivers are said to be rising rapidly, while Kelani river water levels are also said to be on the rise.

The Department of Meteorology has predicted that heavy rainfall of about 100 mm can be expected particularly in the Sabaragamuwa province and in the Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts.

According to the report, prevailing rain and cloudy conditions are expected to continue and fairly strong winds are also to be expected over the island and surrounding sea areas during the next few days.