As a result of heavy rains in the upper Mahaweli catchment area, the responsible engineering office has initiated the opening of seven sluice gates at the Polgolla water diversion today (12) in the afternoon.
This measure will release water at a rate of 7,000 cubic feet per second into the Lower Victoria Reservoir. The public has been advised to exercise caution, especially in areas downstream along the Mahaweli River, as the gates will be opened to manage the rising reservoir levels.
While there has been a risk of flooding in certain parts of the island due to the rainfall, the primary reservoirs in the central mountains still have relatively low water levels.
According to the data report released by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, the Randenigala Reservoir requires 89% of its water capacity to reach the overflow level. Similarly, the Victoria Reservoir requires 61% of its water capacity to reach overflow, and the Kothmale Reservoir needs 30% of its water capacity for the same. Additionally, the Rantambe Reservoir requires another 33% of water capacity to reach overflow levels.
