Severe flood warning to Colombo

Saturday, 29 November 2025 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kelani River flooding expected to reach historic high since 1989
R. Premadasa International Stadium to be used as emergency relief centre for 3,000 people

The Irrigation Department yesterday issued an urgent alert warning that areas along the Kelani River are facing a high-risk flood situation, with water levels reaching heights not seen in recent decades.

At 1300h yesterday the Hanwella Kelani River gauging station reported a water level of 9.3ft or 2.83m and rising.

During the severe flooding in 2015, the river peaked at around 8.15ft or 2.48m before Colombo went underwater.

The Department cautioned that the threat will persist over the next 24 hours, noting that intense rainfall across several catchments in the Kelani basin has pushed the river towards a critical threshold.

Officials said rising inflows are being compounded by increased water releases from upstream reservoirs and rapidly climbing readings at key gauging stations.

Authorities urged residents in vulnerable low-lying zones to relocate immediately to safer areas. The Department stressed that communities in the river valley must act with utmost caution to protect lives as conditions could deteriorate quickly.

The R. Premadasa International Stadium has been assigned for use as an emergency relief centre, with capacity to shelter up to 3,000 people if disaster conditions worsen.

The Colombo Regional Development Committee said the decision was taken as a precaution as authorities brace for the risk of severe flooding and worsening weather across multiple areas.