‘Red’ flood warning issued for low-lying areas of Malwathu Oya

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The Irrigation Department has issued a ‘Red’ flood warning for several low-lying areas of the Malwathu Oya Basin, effective until 4.30 p.m. on January 21, 2025.

It states that considerable rainfall has occurred in the upper and mid-stream areas of Malwathu Oya as of 4.00 p.m. on Jan 20. The Nachchaduwa Reservoir is spilling at a rate of 3,700 cubic feet per second.

By analyzing that situation and river water levels of hydrological stations in Malwathu Oya, it is warned that there is a possibility of a major flood situation occurring in the low-lying areas of Malwathu /Oya valley situated in Vengalacheddikulam, Madu, Mussalei and Nanaddan Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs).

As a result, the roads already inundated may become highly vulnerable and dangerous for crossing, the department warned. The Disaster Management Authorities are requested to take adequate precautions in this regard.