Mahaweli Authority issues update on water levels of major reservoirs

The Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka has released an update about the water levels in the Victoria, Randenigala, and Rantambe reservoirs in the Mahaweli system. The report states that the Victoria Reservoir is currently 188 cm below its spill level. The Randenigala Reservoir is 40 cm below spill level, and the Rantambe Reservoir is 151 cm below its spill level. At this time, none of these reservoirs are releasing water. However, weather forecasts suggest that ongoing rainfall in the catchment areas might lead to these reservoirs overflowing. If this happens, the Randenigala Reservoir may need to release water, which could raise the water level in the Mahaweli River. Water from the Rantambe Reservoir would flow into the Mahaweli River through the Minipe Anicut. The statement also mentioned that if the Victoria Reservoir starts spilling, even more water could flow into the Mahaweli River via the Minipe Anicut. Therefore, the Authority is urging residents in low-lying areas and those downstream along the Mahaweli River to stay alert and take safety measures.