The Irrigation Department has issued an Amber flood warning for the Nilwala River Basin, saying minor flooding could affect low-lying areas over the next 24 hours.
The warning was released at 6.00 pm on Thursday and is valid until 6.00 pm on Friday. The department said significant rain has fallen across the upper and middle catchment areas of the river.
Based on weather conditions and water levels at its river gauging stations, the department said low-lying parts of the Nilwala floodplain could be affected in the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Akuressa, Athuraliya, Malimbada, Kamburupitiya, Thihagoda and Matara.
Residents of these areas and motorists travelling through the region are urged to take great care. The department has asked disaster management authorities to put precautionary measures in place.
The warning remains in force until 6.00 pm on Friday.
