Sri Lanka, Nov. 26 -- The Department of Irrigation has issued a warning of a potential flood situation within the next 48 hours in several areas surrounding the Mahaweli River Basin.

According to the Department, significant rainfall received since last night in certain upstream catchment areas has increased the likelihood of flooding in low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River.

The areas at risk fall within the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Kinniya, Muttur, Kantale, Seruvila, Welikanda, Medirigiriya, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala.

The advisory further notes that sections of the Batticaloa-Polonnaruwa Road (particularly in the Gallella area), the access road to the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara, as well as surrounding ar...