Sri Lanka, Oct. 22 -- Flooding threatens low-lying areas along the Kala Oya as water levels approach flood level following heavy rainfall in the river basin's upper and middle catchment areas, Irrigation Department said.

According to the department, the spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened, releasing more than 13,200 cubic feet of water per second (cusecs) into the Kala Oya, with the discharge potentially increasing further in the coming hours depending on inflows to the reservoir.

The lower reaches of the river valley and adjoining low-lying areas in the Rajanganaya, Nochchiyagama, Wanathawilluwa and Karuwalagaswewa Divisional Secretariat Divisions face a risk of flooding.

As such, residents in these areas, as we...