Flood threat intensifies as Cyclone Arnab drives heavy rain and rising river levels

By Ifham Nizam

Sri Lanka’s immediate flood risk is worsening as rivers rise, reservoirs release water and Cyclone Arnab strengthens over the Bay of Bengal, bringing the threat of torrential rain, strong winds and rough seas to several parts of the country.

While Arnab is not expected to make landfall in Sri Lanka, its effects could aggravate flooding before the storm reaches India’s eastern coast tomorrow (28).

Director of the Irrigation Department’s Hydrology and Disaster Management Division, L. S. Sooriyabandara, said on Monday that water levels in several reservoirs and rivers had risen, although no widespread flooding had been reported at that stage.

The Kalu Ganga had risen considerably, while water levels in the Kelani Ganga and several other river basins had also increased.

Heavy rainfall in Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Puttalam and Kurunegala districts had prompted the opening of spill gates at the Deduru Oya and Rajanganaya reservoirs. The Deduru Oya Reservoir was releasing approximately 5,300 cubic feet of water per second, while Rajanganaya was releasing around 2,300 cubic feet per second.

The Irrigation Department warned that sudden, intense rainfall could inundate low-lying areas, urging residents near rivers and in flood-prone locations to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department forecast showers or thundershowers in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western, Central and North-Central provinces and Trincomalee District, with rainfall exceeding 75 mm possible at some locations.

Winds of 40–50 kmph were also expected in several areas, including the western slopes of the Central Hills and parts of the Northern and North-Western provinces.

Arnab was forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before reaching the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday.

A red warning has been issued for fishing and naval communities operating in affected parts of the Bay of Bengal, where winds could reach 80–100 kmph and waves rise to 3–4 metres.

Authorities have urged the public to follow official weather and flood advisories as the situation develops.

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