Sri Lanka, Nov. 28 -- The Irrigation Department warns that a major flood situation is likely to occur within the next 48 hours in the low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley.

Heavy rainfall is currently being experienced in many areas of the catchment of the Kelani River Basin.

Accordingly, the increased volume of water being released from the reservoirs in the upper catchment, together with the analysis of river water levels recorded at gauging stations maintained by the Irrigation Department, indicates a high risk of major flooding in several areas.

These areas include the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Eheliyagoda, Norwood, Yatiyantota, Galigamuwa, Ruwanwella, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Seethawaka, Dompe, Padukka, Homagama...