Flood warning for low-lying areas along Attanagalu Oya and Uruwal Oya

The Irrigation Department has issued a flood warning for low-lying areas along the Attanagalu Oya and Uruwal Oya following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas.

Officials said the water level of the Attanagalu Oya was rising, with releases under way through the spill gates of the Basnagoda Reservoir adding to the flow downstream.

Low-lying parts of Divulapitiya, Mirigama, Attanagalla, Mahara, Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Ja-Ela, Katana and Wattala have been identified as areas at risk of inundation if water levels continue to climb.

The department urged residents in those areas and motorists using roads along the two rivers to be extremely cautious, and advised people to stay alert to further announcements as rainfall continues.

Both rivers have a history of spilling over during spells of intense rain, and the Gampaha district's low-lying neighbourhoods have repeatedly been among the first to go under water when reservoir releases and local runoff combine.

UPDATE: The Irrigation Department has upgraded its advisory to an amber flood warning covering the nine Divisional Secretariat divisions at risk, valid until 12.30pm tomorrow.