Mahaweli rises as heavy rain triggers flood, landslide fears
By SK Samaranayake Heavy rainfall across the Central Highlands has triggered flood and landslide warnings, with the Mahaweli Ganga reaching spill level in Nawalapitiya and several roads and low-lying areas already affected. The Kandy District Disaster Management Unit has urged residents living along the Mahaweli River in Nawalapitiya, Gampola, Gelioya and Peradeniya to remain on […]
Heavy rains have inundated parts of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, prompting flood and landside alerts. The Mahaweli Ganga, a major river in the region, is at risk of overflow in Nawalapitiya. The Irrigation Department reported the river level near Peradeniya Black Bridge is increasing. Five spill gates of the Polgolla Mahaweli Reservoir were opened to release excess water.
The University of Peradeniya is taking preventive measures due to the potential flood threat. Around 21,000 cubic feet of water per second is being released through these gates. Over 100 families have been displaced in Nawalapitiya as the Mahaweli River flooded low-lying areas. Roads, particularly the Poojapitiya–Medawela route, have been damaged, with a section collapsing.
The Hatton–Bogawantalawa–Maskeliya–Balangoda main road also saw a landslide, causing traffic to halt. A section of Dabagolla Mountain in Yalagamuwa, Uvaparanagama, has cracked and subsided, raising landslide concerns. Buildings in Bogawantalawa have been submerged due to overflowing tributaries. Authorities have warned residents and motorists to stay vigilant and avoid affected areas.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
