Kelani River rise threatens Ambatale Water Plant; Colombo supply at risk– National Water Supply!
Officials said everal water sources and water treatment plants under its management have been submerged due to the severe islandwide flooding.
NWSDB Chairman said that rising floodwaters have made it impossible to operate pumps at several key water sources. He said that many water treatment facilities have also gone underwater, disrupting both pumping and purification operations across multiple districts.
Meanwhile, the Western Province has not yet experienced water supply disruptions. However, the Irrigation Department and Disaster Management authorities have warned of a rapid rise in the Kelani River. If the river level increases by 7 feet, (Now: 6.4) the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant may face serious operational challenges.
Moreover, Department of Irrigation warned that the risk of severe flooding in the Kelani River is steadily increasing as water levels continue to rise.
The Department said the river has already reached major flood level, with the Nagalagam Street gauge recording 6.4 feet. They said that once the level surpasses 7 feet, it is considered a critical flood stage.
The Department added that flood levels in several other rivers, including Deduru Oya and Attanagalu Oya, are also continuing to rise.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology said that due to the lingering impact of Cyclone Ditwah, the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, and Central provinces may receive rainfall exceeding 100 mm today. Director General of Meteorology Athula Karunanayake said that the cyclone is now gradually moving away from the island.
As the water released from Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, and Kala Wewa flows through Deduru Oya, Mee Oya, and Kala Oya into the Puttalam District, flooding in the area is intensifying, according to Puttalam District Secretary Saman Silva.
He said that rescue operations supported by the Navy are underway to assist people trapped by rising waters.
In addition, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued red-level landslide evacuation notices for several Divisional Secretariat divisions across seven districts, urging residents to move to safety immediately.
