Spill gates at several reservoirs across Sri Lanka have been opened following heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to urge residents in downstream and low-lying areas to remain alert to possible changes in water levels.
The Department of Irrigation confirmed that water is being released from the Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, Kukule Ganga and Kalawewa reservoirs as inflows increase due to rainfall.
At the Deduru Oya Reservoir, eight spill gates have been opened by two feet each, releasing approximately 10,400 cubic feet of water per second into the Deduru Oya.
Irrigation officials stated that the number of gates opened and the volume of water released could change depending on rainfall in the reservoir's catchment area and the amount of water flowing into the reservoir.
Meanwhile, six spill gates at the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened, with more than 3,800 cubic feet of water per second being discharged into the Kala Oya.
Authorities expect the release rate to increase to 8,000 cubic feet per second by 9.00 a.m., although the volume may be adjusted according to prevailing weather conditions and reservoir inflows.
At the Kukule Ganga Reservoir, one spill gate has been opened in response to the rainfall. Approximately 45 cubic metres of water per second is being released through the gate, while another 48 cubic metres per second is discharged during power generation.
Reservoir engineers stated that the combined water release into the Kuda Ganga currently stands at 93 cubic metres per second.
The water level at Kalawewa Reservoir has also increased due to heavy rainfall in its upper catchment area. Around 5,500 cubic feet of water per second is flowing into the reservoir through the Dambulu Oya, raising its current storage to 83,782 acre-feet.
With the reservoir at risk of overflowing, its two emergency spill gates have been opened by six inches each. This has resulted in a water release of approximately 511 cubic feet per second into the Kala Oya.
In view of the increased water releases, residents living along the Deduru Oya downstream of its reservoir and those in areas bordering the Kala Oya downstream of the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been urged to exercise caution and monitor changes in river and stream water levels.
The public has also been advised to follow official updates from the Department of Irrigation and disaster management authorities concerning reservoir conditions, spill gate operations and water releases.
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