Sri Lanka, Aug. 3 -- The Irrigation Department has issued a major flood warning for low-lying areas of the Kelani River Valley, stating that a major flood situation could develop within the next 24 hours due to heavy rainfall in the upper and middle catchment areas of the river basin.

Accordingly, residents in low-lying areas within the Dehiowita, Ruwanwella and Yatiyanthota Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been urged to remain highly vigilant and take necessary precautions.

The department said significant, high-intensity rainfall has been recorded in the upper and middle catchment areas of the Kelani River Basin, while further heavy rainfall is expected according to current weather forecasts. This could result in a rapid and sudde...