COLOMBO : At least 17 major reservoirs and more than 13 medium-sized reservoirs under the management of the Irrigation Department are currently spilling over due to heavy rainfall, the Department has announced.
In a statement, Irrigation Director (Water Management) Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath said the number of spill gates kept open could change depending on the volume of water flowing into the reservoirs.
The Irrigation Department has urged the general public to closely monitor announcements issued by the department and disaster management authorities. Residents living downstream of reservoirs and along riverbanks have also been advised to remain vigilant and pay close attention to rising water levels.
The Irrigation Department provided the following details on water releases from several reservoirs:
Deduru Oya Reservoir
Eight spill gates have been opened by three feet each, releasing 15,700 cubic feet of water per second into the Deduru Oya.
Rajanganaya Reservoir
Ten spill gates have been opened by four feet each, releasing 8,880 cubic feet of water per second.
Angamuwa Reservoir
Two spill gates have been opened by four feet each, releasing 2,440 cubic feet of water per second towards Kala Wewa.
Tabbowa Reservoir
Eight spill gates have been opened by two feet each, releasing 3,520 cubic feet of water per second.
Inginimitiya Reservoir
Two spill gates have been opened by two feet each, while another two have been opened by one foot each. More than 2,000 cubic feet of water per second is being released into the Mee Oya.
The Irrigation Department has warned that water releases may be adjusted depending on rainfall and inflows to the reservoirs, urging communities in vulnerable areas to remain alert for further announcements
