Most reservoirs are overflowing causing widespread flooding

Close to 17,000 people have been adversely impacted by natural disasters, triggered by heavy rains across Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported on Monday morning. A total of 16,930 individuals from 5,738 families, in 11 districts, have been affected, with one death and three injuries recorded. The Meteorology Department has forecast thundershowers in several provinces, while landslide and flood warnings issued on Sunday remain in effect for the next 24 hours.

The North-East monsoon has unleashed heavy rains across the country’s East, North Central, and Eastern slopes of the central hills, causing widespread flooding, reservoir spills, and disruptions. More than 50 major tanks and reservoirs are overflowing, inundating downstream towns and agricultural areas, according to the Irrigation Department and Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Four major reservoirs in the north—Iranamadu Reservoir (Kilinochchi), Pavakkulam Reservoir (Vavuniya), Vavunikulam Reservoir (Mullaitivu), and Muthaiyankattu Reservoir—have fully opened their spill gates. Water flowing through medium and small reservoirs has damaged paddy fields for the third time this season and submerged several key roads, disrupting transportation and daily activities.

Director of Irrigation (Water Management) H.F.P.S.D. Herath reported that 54 out of 73 major reservoirs, controlled by the Department, are overflowing. Additionally, 43 mid-sized reservoirs have reached their discharge limits, with 93% of total reservoir capacities currently retained. The Rajanganaya reservoir is overflowing at a rate of 17,000 cubic feet per second, while the Deduru Oya reservoir is spilling at 16,000 cubic feet per second, raising flood risks in multiple areas.

Herath said that the low-lying areas in the Kala Oya valley, Deduru Oya valley, and Gal Oya region face imminent flood threats. Roads in areas, such as Batticaloa-Polonnaruwa, Malwatu Oya, and Nachchaduwa, have been inundated, making crossings dangerous. Flood warnings have been issued for Vengalacheddikulam, Madu, Mussalei, and Nanaddan DS divisions.

Residents in vulnerable areas, including Wariyapola, Chilaw, Akkareipattu, and Karuwalagaswewa, have been urged to remain vigilant, he said.

Schools in the North Central Province have been closed, according to Education Director S.M.W. Samarakoon, as a precautionary measure. Traffic on the Batticaloa-Polonnaruwa main road has also been suspended due to the rising water level in the Mahaweli River.

The Department of Meteorology reported reduced rainfall in parts of the island on Monday but warned of continued rains in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces. Cloudy skies and temporary localized strong winds, with lightning during thunderstorms ,remain a concern.

Residents and vehicle drivers in affected areas are requested to take precautions, while disaster management authorities have been instructed to take proactive measures.

As conditions remain volatile, authorities are monitoring the situation closely and responding to emerging challenges.

A navy boat reaches to people affected by severe whether conditions at Buddhangala in Padvaiya. Navy relief teams deployed in affected areas, equipped with dinghies, facilitated transportation and extended essential support to communities, enabling them to carry out their daily activities. Additionally, 49 Navy relief teams are ready and on alert to be deployed immediately to provide assistance to the public in case of flooding, the Navy said.