Buildings, including houses and hotels, are submerged in water

Due to the overflowing of Dikoya, which carries water from the Hatton area to the Castlereagh Reservoir, several houses located on both sides of the canal have been submerged today (03). Residents point out that a similar disaster occurred in 2013 due to the overflowing of Dikoya, and they are now facing severe difficulties as their homes are once again submerged.

The Department of Meteorology states that the severe rain and windy weather conditions currently prevailing in the southwestern parts of the island may continue for the next 24 hours. Accordingly, a warning notice regarding heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm has been issued for the Sabaragamuwa Province as well as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts, effective from 11:30 AM today (03) until 11:30 AM tomorrow (04). The highest rainfall in the island during the past 24 hours has been recorded in the Nuwara Eliya district, with the Canyon area receiving the highest rainfall of 191.0 mm. Additionally, Lakshapana area recorded 187.0 mm, Norton area 186.0 mm, Castlereagh area 159.0 mm, Kotmale 133.2 mm, and Dikoya 127.0 mm of rainfall.

Due to the heavy rainfall in the Nortonbridge Wimalasurendra catchment area, the Wimalasurendra Reservoir began overflowing from dawn today (03), and simultaneously, the water level of the Kelani River has also risen to some extent. The Department of Irrigation has taken steps to extend Flood Warning Notice No. 01, issued for the Kelani River basin at 7:30 AM on 2026.08.01, for the next 48 hours, and urges residents as well as drivers traveling on roads and byroads to exercise extreme caution.

Due to the rising water level of the Mahaweli River, a tourist hotel in the Nawalapitiya area has also been submerged, and people living in low-lying areas are advised to remain vigilant. Mr. Pradeep Kodippili, Director and Media Spokesperson of the Disaster Management Centre, emphasizes the importance of adhering to the instructions issued by the Department of Meteorology, the Department of Irrigation, and the National Building Research Organisation in the face of the prevailing adverse weather. District Disaster Management Committees are operating in accordance with evacuation notices from landslide-prone areas, and in case of any emergency, assistance can be obtained by calling the 24-hour hotline 117.

The Department of Meteorology indicates that the wind speed in the sea area off the coast from Galle, through Hambantota, to Pottuvil could increase to between 60 and 70 kilometers per hour. Therefore, Mr. Pradeep Kodippili further advises refraining from fishing and naval activities in these sea areas until further notice.