Heavy showers lashed several parts of the country over the 24-hour period ending at 6.00 a.m. today (07). According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Thimbirigasyaya led the charts with 146.6 mm of rainfall.
Mattakkuliya followed close behind with 125.5 mm, while Bopagama recorded 117.6 mm. Meteorological data also showed Pasbage Korale in Kandy clocking 116.60 mm and Aranayaka in Kegalle receiving 114.8 mm.
Widespread showers across districts
The rains spread well into other districts too. Bulathsinhala in Kalutara logged 111.40 mm, Yatiyantota recorded 103.40 mm, and Warakapola recorded 94.80 mm.
Rain gauges also marked 82.40 mm in Ruwanwella, 82.20 mm in Agalawatta, 69.00 mm in Ayagama, 68.00 mm in Piliyandala, 65.20 mm in Eheliyagoda, 64.50 mm in Minuwangoda, and 63.00 mm in Haldummulla.
Spill gates opened as water rises
With water levels swelling rapidly, the Department of Irrigation had to act fast and lift spill gates at several major reservoirs.
In the Anuradhapura District, four gates at the Rajanganaya Reservoir were opened by two feet each, while two gates at the Kala Wewa were opened by one foot each. Kurunegala saw four gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir raised by one foot each.
Three gates of the Alikota Ara Reservoir in Monaragala were lifted by two feet each. In Hambantota, two gates of the Badagiriya Reservoir opened by two feet each, while two gates at the Yoda Wewa were opened by nine inches each. In Badulla, two gates of the Ambewela Reservoir were raised by one inch each, and one gate of the Udawalawe Reservoir in Ratnapura was opened by one foot.
