More rains expected

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 00:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shezna Shums

Several tanks and reservoirs are spilling over due to the excessive amount of water collected in them. Following these development about 34 families had been affected stated the Disaster Management Centre.

Pradeep Kodipilli, Assistant Director, DMC told the Daily FT that the reservoir in Igimitiya in the Puttlam District is overflowing while three tanks and reservoirs in Kukulegama and Udawalawa were also overflowing.

“The main reason for these reservoirs and tanks overflowing is because the canals that help to release this excess water is not being maintained,” he explained.

“In Ambalanthotha about 34 families had been affected due this overflowing water,” added Kodipilli.

According to the Department of Agriculture several reservoirs were overflowing owing to the heavy rains these last few days.

Hakwatuna-Oya and Ambakolawewa in the Kurunegala District, Igimitiya reservoir in the Puttalam District, Devahuwa tank in the Matale District, Weheragala, Lunugamwehera and Udawalawa in the Hambantota District and Handapanagala reservoir in the Moneragala District are overflowing. Six sluice gates of the Weheragala reservoir, four sluice gates of Udawalawe reservoir have been opened.

Wahalkada tank in the Anuradhapura District is also overflowing and the Nuwarawewa tank is on spill level.

With the heavy rains there is also the possibility of landslide and the security forces are on alert to evacuate families if the need arises in the danger areas.

Heavy rains, thundershowers with lightning are expected during the evening and nights.