Sri Lanka, Aug. 3 -- The Department of Irrigation said water levels in the upper reaches of the Mahaweli, Kelani and Kalu rivers have risen rapidly following heavy rainfall in the island's wet zone over the past 24 hours.

Speaking to the media, Director of Hydrology and Disaster Management Engineering L.S. Sooriyabandara urged people living in low-lying areas along these river basins to remain on high alert.

He said rainfall in the upper Mahaweli catchment, including Nawalapitiya, Nanu Oya and Watawala, had reached nearly 200 mm, with some areas recording more than 200 mm.

As a result, flood warnings have been issued for people living along the Mahaweli River between Nawalapitiya and Peradeniya.

However, Sooriyabandara said that altho...