COLOMBO, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Irrigation Department said Monday that water levels in all reservoirs across the country are steadily returning to normal following recent heavy rainfall.
L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management), told journalists that data from the department's monitoring stations showed that no reservoir is currently at flood level.
He said while there was rain in several major catchment areas, and in some river basins, the level of rainfall is not expected to cause a significant rise in river water levels.
Meanwhile, spill gates have been opened in nearly 30 major reservoirs to gradually release excess water, he said.
Sooriyabandara said that with further rainfall expected in the coming days, the public should remain alert while the Irrigation Department continues to issue regular updates on changing conditions.
Over 600 Sri Lankans have died from floods and other disasters caused by extreme weather. Currently, Sri Lanka is going through the monsoon rain season. ■
