Ging ganga close to 'major floods' -- all 10 pumps in action!

Ging ganga close to 'major floods' -- all 10 pumps in action!

It is the southern province in Sri Lanka that has succumbed to the greatest influence because of the heavy showers coming down from yesterday. The Baddegama water level of Ging ganga area is gradually reaching upto 'flood level' stage, irrigation department announces. Major flood level is indicated at 5 metres and Baddegama water level has by now reached 4.7 metres while water level of Thawalama has already reached 3.36 metres. Therefore, people living in the low flood area on either side are cautioned to be alert about a possible flood situation. 

Though there was no heavy rainfall during the 12 hours ending at 10 this morning (24), because of
rain the previous day, water level which had risen in low flood areas is observed to be further gradually creeping up. It was informed that according to the present conditions in the weather pattern, a quick decrease at Baddegama water level point cannot be expected. 

All 10 pumps of Ging ganga were opened, Ging ganga irrigation engineer Mr. Nilanga Subasingha says that all 10 pumps controlled by Ging ganga hydro power scheme are active and that by now water in protected areas is being removed.The irrigation engineer further mentioned that as water in the protected zone does not decrease when water level of Ging ganga rises, the water that has accumulated is released to the river with the aid of through pumps. By 10 this morning as water levels of Baddegama water meter and Thawalama water level have gone up, this action has been introduced.

Disconnection of electricity supply

Electricity supply to eight thousand consumers in Galle and Matara districts have been suspended owing to prevailing heavy rain. What media spokesman of ministry of electricity said was that this step was taken for security reasons. He said that electricity supply to ten thousand consumers in Galle district and seven thousand consumers of Matara district has been withheld. 

Announcement to advanced level students

Examinations department has decided to provide a different date to students who are unable to sit for the advanced level aesthetic practical examination because of the inclement weather. In fact, the said examination was scheduled to commence from today (24). It is informed that in case of students not being able to appear for the examination due to floods and transport difficulties in areas experiencing rain, to inform No. 1911. Accordingly, another date would be given. 

Instructions for drivers of highways to have front lights of vehicles on

Road development authority has advised drivers plying along highways to have the front lights of the vehicles functioning under heavy rain conditions. Deputy director of highway operations and supervision unit Mr. R.A.D. Kahatapitiya informs drivers to stick to about 60 kilometres in a manner that the vehicle could be controlled when driving along highways in order to prevent accidents. He adds that "Because of rainy conditions nothing is visible beyond 30 metres and therefore drivers should exercise caution during these weather conditions". 

Officer in charge of duties at the airport exclaimed that though this weather with heavy showers is existent, operations of flights at the airport at Katunayaka are in operation without any hindrance as such. However, because of Dandugam oya running across areas around the airport are overflowing, a minor flood situation is to be noticed around that area. As a result, officer in charge of airport duties request flight passengers intending for departure to report 3 hours prior to departure. 

Action taken by president

President Hon. Maithripala Sirisena has informed and instructed relevant parties to provide all necessary support without delay to masses who are in need because of this inclement weather conditions. A discussion has been conducted this morning (24) at presidential secretariat about procedures to be effected for the masses who have become victims. The president has also issued instructions to hasten in activities to render relief to victims in removing people living in potential landslide areas with the support of the tri-forces. The president also mentioned not to make provisions a problem in the procedure of rendering relief to victimised people and that the finance ministry would look after the factor of funds in that instance and that he would mediate to see that the funds are provided. The president further explained that in the forthcoming 2 months the heavy rainy situation could prevail continuously and the importance of relevant ministries and co-ordination of all sections in acting with a preplanned attitude to face that situation. Minister of disaster management, Ranjit Maddumabandara, secretary of president, Udaya R. Seneviratna, minister of defence, general Shantha Kottegoda with secretary of ministry of disaster management and other officers, chief staff of defence, commanders of the three forces, working inspector of police and chiefs of defence participated in this discussion. 

Weather report

The meteorological department has informed that within the next few hours there could be showers or thunder showers in most parts of the island. This situation would continue till tomorrow (5) night, it is expected. Heavy rain could be expected particularly in western, southern, Sabaragamuwa and central provinces. Weather announcements say that a heavy rainfall of over 100 milli metres could be expected in some places in north west, northern, uva and eastern provinces. During rains accompanied by thunder, there could be strong winds of a temporary nature. 

During the past few hours the highest rainfall was reported from Katunayaka area in Gampaha province. It was reported as 219.1 milli metres. In the meantime, because of the active cloudy atmosphere in sea areas of west, south and south east of the island, heavy showers could be experienced in such areas while the wind speed may promptly go up to 70 - 80 miles per hour and as a result the coastal areas may unexpectedly turn rough. Weather forecasts caution fisheries and the navy community to be alert in this connection.