Public warned of bathing in rivers adjoining dams

The general public has been warned of bathing in rivers adjoining dams as water is being released at very high speeds.

"A person in Monaragala went missing yesterday (Dec 2) while bathing in a river," Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippili said.

He noted that although showers had receded in certain areas, more than 14,000 people had been affected so far since the North-East monsoon made landfall last week.

At present, 29 relief centres have been set up to shelter those affected by the bad weather.

Landslide warnings issued to the Kegalle District have been lifted, while warnings issue to the Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, and Badulla districts remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, spill gates of the Rajanganaya, Udawalawe, Ulhitiya, Tabbowa, Angamuwa, Deduru Oya, Ibbankatuwa, Inginimitiya, Kala Oya, and Lunugamwehera dams have been opened due to rising water levels, the DMC said.

Accordingly, residents living downstream of rivers connecting to these reservoirs have been advised to remain vigilant as there is a rise in water levels of such rivers.

The public has been requested to contact the DMC on 117 to obtain relief or assistance in the event of any disaster.