COLOMBO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Fourteen major tanks in Sri Lanka are overflowing due to ongoing heavy rainfall, an irrigation department official said on Monday.
Director of Irrigation (Water Management) H.M.P.S.D. Herath told reporters that sluice gates at several reservoirs have been opened and urged residents living downstream to remain vigilant.
He said the affected tanks are located across the North Central and North Western provinces, two main agricultural areas of the country.
Sri Lanka has experienced heavy rainfall over the past few days.
According to the country's Disaster Management Center, 585 people have been affected by the weather, and 111 houses have been partially damaged.
The Department of Meteorology said the heavy rains are expected to continue in the coming days. ■
