# Flood Warning Extended for Low-Lying Areas of Mahaweli River Basin Until December 20 Evening

- Link: https://www.weather.lk/flood-warning-extended-for-low-lying-areas-of-mahaweli-river-basin-until-december-20-evening/
- Published: 2025-12-19T20:13:06+05:30
- Author: Weather LK

**Colombo – December 19, 2025**

The **Department of Irrigation** has extended the **flood warning** issued for several**
low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River Basin** for a further **24 hours**, citing
continued flood risks due to heavy rainfall and upstream water releases.

According to the Department, the warning will now remain **valid until 5.30 p.m.
on December 20, 2025**. The original alert was issued on **December 18** following
increased water levels in the Mahaweli catchment areas.

Authorities say the risk of **minor flooding** has been heightened due to **persistent
rainfall** in upstream regions and the **controlled release of water from reservoirs**
in the Mahaweli Valley.

Residents in **low-lying areas** within the **Kinniya, Muttur, Kantale, Seruvila,
Welikanda, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat Divisions**
have been urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions against possible 
inundation.

The Department of Irrigation also warned of potential flooding along parts of the**
Batticaloa–Polonnaruwa Road**, particularly near the **Gallella area**, as well 
as on the **access road to the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara** and surrounding locations.

In light of the prevailing conditions, **devotees traveling to the Somawathiya Raja
Maha Vihara**, residents living close to the **Mahaweli River**, and **vehicle drivers
using roads in vulnerable zones** are strongly advised to exercise heightened caution
over the coming days.

Meanwhile, **Disaster Management authorities** have been requested to remain on 
standby and take **adequate precautionary measures** to minimize potential damage
and ensure public safety as water levels continue to be closely monitored.