Adverse Weather Submerges Hill Country; Flood and Landslide Warnings Intensified
04-Aug-2026.
Adverse weather conditions have affected large parts of Sri Lanka, claiming two lives, while widespread flooding has been reported across much of the Hill Country.
Following intense rainfall over a short period, the Irrigation Department has issued flood warnings for low-lying areas along the Kelani, Kalu and Mahaweli rivers.
A Level Three Red Landslide Warning remains in force for the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Kegalle Districts, while a Level Two Alert has been issued for Ratnapura District.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, all Government schools in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya remained closed for the day.
The highest rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 a.m. on August 3 was recorded at 191 mm in the Keniyon area of Nuwara Eliya District.
Flood warnings have also been issued for several Divisional Secretariat areas located along the Mahaweli, Kalu and Kelani rivers.
Authorities warned that further heavy rainfall could result in a rapid rise in river water levels, increasing the risk of flooding.
Road traffic has also been disrupted following earth slips, with the main road at Kadugannawa being temporarily closed from 3.00 p.m. on August 3.
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) warned that areas affected by landslides during the Titwa storm remain vulnerable to fresh landslides and urged the public not to ignore official safety advisories.
Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources announced that the ban on small and one-day fishing vessels operating in coastal waters from Puttalam to Pottuvil will remain in force until further notice.
The Department also expressed concern over the deaths of five fishermen from Mannar, Kalpitiya, Chilaw and Negombo who ventured out to sea despite official weather warnings.
Fishermen have been strongly advised to follow all official advisories and wear life jackets while at sea.
The Department of Meteorology expects weather conditions to improve temporarily before rainfall intensifies again after August 6.
