Heavy Rains Push 26 Reservoirs to Spill Across Sri Lanka

Relentless heavy rainfall across the country has caused 16 major reservoirs and 10 medium-sized reservoirs managed by the Department of Irrigation to spill, raising concerns for residents living in low-lying and reservoir-adjacent areas.

Director of Irrigation (Water Management) Eng. H.M.P.S.D. Herath stated that several key reservoirs in multiple districts are currently overflowing due to rapidly increasing water levels.

Among the major reservoirs spilling are the Rajanganaya Reservoir in Anuradhapura, Sorabora Wewa in Badulla, and the Lunugamwehera, Weerawila, and Weheragala reservoirs in Hambantota. Reservoirs including Deduru Oya and Magalla in Kurunegala, Wemadilla and Nalanda in Kandy, and Alikota Ara in Monaragala have also exceeded capacity.

According to the Irrigation Department, intense rainfall in the Kala Wewa River Basin during the past few days triggered overflow conditions in the Rajanganaya, Dewahuwa, and Wemadilla reservoirs.

Authorities have opened 12 spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir, releasing water at a rate of 18,500 cubic feet per second.

Heavy rainfall in the Kirindi Oya River Basin has also led to overflowing conditions in the Lunugamwehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila, Yodha Wewa, and Alikota Ara reservoirs.

Six spill gates of the Lunugamwehera Reservoir have been opened to discharge water at 7,100 cubic feet per second, while six spill gates at the Weheragala Reservoir are releasing over 2,400 cubic feet of water per second into the Menik Ganga.

Meanwhile, medium-sized reservoirs currently spilling include Angamuwa, Bomburuella, Maha Siyambalangamuwa, Saddhatissa, Malimpotha, and Marathamadu reservoirs.

The Irrigation Department has urged the public, especially those living in vulnerable low-lying areas, to remain alert as water levels and spill gate releases may continue to fluctuate depending on future rainfall conditions.