Impending risk of Kelani Ganga overflowing once again and risks of accidents in Ratnapura, Galle, Matara and Kalutara from rains -- 8 deaths with several persons missing

Impending risk of Kelani Ganga overflowing once again and risks of accidents in Ratnapura, Galle, Matara and Kalutara from rains -- 8 deaths with several persons missing

Several incidents of mishaps were reported as a result of heavy showers experienced yesterday in most parts of the country including Ratnapura, Galle, Matara and Kalutara Districts. If there is a downpour for the next 6 hours the Irrigation Department has issued a warning signal that there is a risk of major flood levels occuring in relation to Kelani Ganga. Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippily of Disaster Management Centre has made a request for residents on both sides of Kelani Ganga to be vigilant in this connection.

There had been a landslide reported in Bulathsinghala, Mahagama, Bowatta areas and it is learned

that at the time of the landslide there had been several people at that spot. After rescue teams had approached the place with difficulty it was reported this morning that 6 persons had died and that 4 were missing. 2 females have died in Heiyantuduwa, Sapugaskanda area with a wall of a height of 20 feet associated with an earthslip falling on top of a house. In the meantime, one person has been washed away by a torrent of water in Kahawatta, Beliatta. Padukka in Colombo District was covered by water, it was reported.

Steps have been taken to evacuate people in low-lying areas including Neluwa, Habarakada, Morawaka, Yakkalamulla, Imaduwa, Walpola, Baddegama, Thawalama, Nagoda and Weliwitiya because of water levels of Gin Ganga and Nilwala Ganga rising. Police say that as a result of heavy showers and windy conditions affecting Hungama area, a distance of about 8 kms on Tangalla - Kataragama Road has been covered by water. As such, police warns the public to refrain from approaching such areas. As the water level of Kalu Ganga too has risen, Disaster Management Centre has cautioned that those living in low-lying areas should be vigilant under such conditions. Palinda City, Bulathsinghala and Agalawatta areas too have come under water, it was reported. As Kirima Oya has overflowed, people in low-lying areas such as Matara - Kamburupitiya and Mulatiyana have been advised to move away from those areas, by the Disaster Management Centre.

Because of the torrential rain that fell on Ratnapura District, Kalawana, Elapatha, Ayagama, Kiriella and Eheliyagoda areas have been more affected. In the meantime, as a result of heavy rains which affected Tangalla, Tangalla - Weeraketiya Road and Tangalla - Tissa Road have gone under water, police say.

The Navy and Air Force have been deployed to rescue people in areas that have come under water. During the 21 hour period ending at 5.30 am this morning (26) the highest rainfall was recorded from Sabaragamuwa area which was 196.7 meters. According to reports released by the Weather Department heavy showers were reported from various regions in Ratnapura and Kegalle Districts. In the same way, the Weather Department say that showers exceeding a value of over 150 mms could be experienced today too in various parts of the island.