More than 30,000 locations across Sri Lanka have been identified as being at high risk of landslides due to the prevailing heavy rainfall, Senior Geologist at the National Building Research Institute (NBRI), Dr. Wasantha Senadheera, said.
Speaking at a media briefing today (22), Dr. Senadheera noted that 25 updates to landslide early warnings had been issued since October 3.
He also noted that the impact of Cyclone Ditwah had caused preliminary signs of potential landslides to emerge in many areas.
In some locations, rocks and layers of soil remain temporarily in place, posing a significant risk of being washed away amid the prevailing rainfall, he added.
Dr. Senadheera further explained that even if only light rainfall is recorded in a particular area, landslide warnings may remain valid due to the rainfall experienced over the past several days.
He urged residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions.
Meanwhile, landslide warnings were updated yesterday (21) following the rainfall recorded, with Level 2 ‘Alert’ notices issued for the following areas:
- Kandy District: Udapalatha, Medadumbara and Kundasale
- Nuwara Eliya District: Ambagamuwa and Norwood
- Ratnapura District: Ratnapura, Elapatha and Kuruwita
He further stated that the warnings may be revised depending on the prevailing rainfall conditions.
