The Mahaweli Authority has issued a special announcement regarding the water levels of Victoria, Randenigala and Ranthambe reservoirs in the Mahaweli reservoir system.
According to the announcement, the Victoria reservoir is 188 cm below the overflow level, the Randenigala reservoir is 40 cm below the overflow level and the Ranthambe reservoir is 151 cm below the overflow level.
Accordingly, although no overflow of the reservoirs has taken place at present, according to weather forecasts, the reservoirs may reach the overflow level depending on the rainfall falling in the areas fed by the reservoirs. The statement states that if the rainfall in the fertile areas continues, the Randenigala Reservoir may overflow in the future, which may increase the water level of the Mahaweli River due to the amount of water released from the Rantambe Reservoir into the Mahaweli River through the Minipe Antrum.
The statement further states that if the Victoria Reservoir is also overflowed, the amount of water released into the Mahaweli River through the Minipe Antrum may increase further.
Accordingly, the Mahaweli Authority states in its statement that people using the river in the lower valley areas should be vigilant and take precautions.
