Heavy rain triggers landslide warnings, reservoir releases and rail disruptions

Heavy rain continued to affect several parts of Sri Lanka on Sunday, with Hiniduma in Galle District recording the highest rainfall of 211 mm during the previous 12 hours, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and in Hambantota District, while rain is also forecast over other parts of the island after 1 p.m.

Heavy falls exceeding 100 mm are possible at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, Northern and North-Central Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.

The public has been advised to take precautions against lightning and temporary strong winds during thundershowers.

Meanwhile, several reservoirs have opened spill gates following the heavy rainfall. Eight spill gates at the Deduru Oya reservoir have been opened, while four gates each have been opened at Manankattiya, Udawalawe and Bandagiriya reservoirs. Three gates have been opened at Alikota Ara, while two each have been opened at Rajanganaya, Angamuwa, Ambewela, Yoda Wewa and Mau Ara. Single spill gates have also been opened at Canyon and Kukule Ganga reservoirs.

Train services on sections of the up-country railway have also been suspended because of the weather. The Railways Department said trains were not operating from Rambukkana to Kandy and Nanu Oya, while services between Rambukkana and Matale had also been halted.

The National Building Research Organisation has issued landslide warnings for several districts.

Amber-level warnings are in force for Seethawaka in Colombo District; Thawalama, Elpitiya and Karandeniya in Galle; Walallawita, Palindanuwara, Ingiriya and Bulathsinhala in Kalutara; Ududumbara in Kandy; Deraniyagala in Kegalle; Walapane and Nildandahinna in Nuwara Eliya; and Eheliyagoda, Elapatha and Ayagama in Ratnapura.

Yellow-level warnings have also been issued for a number of areas in the Badulla, Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts.

Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain alert for landslides, earth slips and falling rocks and to be prepared to move to safer locations if necessary.

The Meteorology Department has also issued warnings to fishing and naval communities over strong winds and rough seas in parts of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

Meanwhile, a special dengue prevention week begins today and will continue until November 14 amid concerns that continued rainfall could increase mosquito breeding.

The National Dengue Control Unit said the programme would cover 74 Medical Officer of Health areas considered at risk of dengue outbreaks.

Activities will include deploying joint inspection teams, removing mosquito breeding sites from unattended premises and conducting cleaning programmes at schools, universities, religious institutions and other public places. Daily operations will be monitored through a dedicated operations centre.