Nearly 200 mm of rain recorded as flood and landslide risks rise

Heavy rain continued across much of Sri Lanka over the past 24 hours, with nearly 200 mm recorded in parts of the country as authorities issued fresh flood and landslide warnings.

The Department of Meteorology said the highest rainfall was recorded at Karandipoval in the Puttalam District, where 195.7 mm fell.

Kuliyapitiya recorded 193 mm, while Iluppaikadavai received 187.5 mm.

The department said Cyclone Arnab, which is developing over the west-central Bay of Bengal, is expected to have an indirect impact on Sri Lanka.

Heavy rain is forecast in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western, Central and Southern provinces, as well as in the Anuradhapura District.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department warned that minor flooding could occur in low-lying areas of the Kalu Ganga basin over the next 24 hours.

Areas at risk include low-lying parts of Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama and Elapatha in the Ratnapura District, and Ingiriya, Horana, Dodangoda, Millaniya, Bulathsinhala, Madurawala and Palindanuwara in the Kalutara District.

Residents and motorists using roads through these areas have been advised to remain vigilant.

The National Building Research Organisation has also updated its landslide warnings, which remain valid until 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Level Two amber warnings have been issued for Walallawita and Bulathsinhala in the Kalutara District; Dehiowita and Galigamuwa in Kegalle; Ambagamuwa Korale and Norwood in Nuwara Eliya; and Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Pelmadulla, Elapatha, Ayagama and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura District.

Level One yellow warnings are in force for Thawalama in Galle; Attanagalla in Gampaha; Madurawala, Beruwala, Millaniya and Horana in Kalutara; Ududumbara, Pasbage Korale, Udapalatha and Udunuwara in Kandy; Kegalle, Mawanella, Deraniyagala, Warakapola, Aranayake, Ruwanwella and Yatiyantota in Kegalle; Narammala and Kurunegala in Kurunegala; and Kiriella and Opanayake in Ratnapura.

Authorities have urged people in flood- and landslide-prone areas to closely follow official warnings as unsettled weather continues.