Even if rainfall increases, there is no cause for fear - Department of Meteorology

Although a significant increase in rainfall has been observed in several areas, including the main water catchment areas of Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorology confirms that there is no risk of any disaster situation arising in the next few days. Mr. Meril Mendis, Director of the Forecasting Division of the Department of Meteorology, stated that the current rainy weather is due to the influence of the Southwest Monsoon, and there are no signs of a dangerous situation developing from it, so the public should not be unnecessarily alarmed.

It is expected that the 'El Niño' weather pattern will become active in the island by the upcoming July, and due to this, Sri Lanka will experience dry weather conditions in the future, he pointed out. It was previously predicted that the impact of this year's El Niño condition could slow down the activity of the Southwest Monsoon.

Meanwhile, Mr. N. L. Sooriyabandara, Director of the Department of Irrigation, addressing the media, stated that the water levels of the main rivers, namely Kalu, Kelani, Nilwala, and Gin, have risen to some extent due to the ongoing rain. However, he emphasized that despite this rise in river water levels, there is currently no threat of an immediate flood situation developing due to this.

According to the official data reports received so far, 75 mm of rainfall has been recorded in areas around the Gin River, and 55 mm around the Nilwala River. Additionally, 50 mm of rain has been recorded in areas around the Kelani River and Kalu River. Furthermore, Lakshapana area received 37 mm, Norton area 32.4 mm, and the Upper Kotmale region received 13.7 mm of rainfall. Among these rainfall values, the highest value of 102 mm of rain was reported from Athuruliya area in Matara District, while 92 mm was reported from Hinihiduma area in Galle, 90 mm from Thihagoda area, 74 mm from Boossa area, and 69 mm from Warakapola area in Kegalle District.