The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) states that around 35 minor land instability incidents have been reported so far due to the prevailing heavy rainfall.

Speaking on Ada Derana’s ‘BIG FOCUS’ programme today (21), Dr. Imaya Ariyaratne, a Senior Geologist at the National Building Research Organisation, said that although the incidents reported so far are minor, there is a possibility that the situation could worsen due to the continuing rainfall.

She noted that rainfall recorded over the past three days has exceeded 300 mm. If the current intensity of rainfall continues, there is a risk of land instability incidents, including landslides, rockfalls, subsidence, and slope failures.

However, she said that no major land instability incidents have been reported so far, with only minor occurrences recorded to date.

Currently, 14 districts are at risk of landslides, while Red Warnings have been issued for six of those districts.

The Senior Geologist further warned that if rainfall intensity increases, the number of areas under landslide Red Warnings could also increase.

As landslide warnings are issued on a regional basis, the public is urged to remain vigilant and pay close attention to advisories applicable to their respective areas.

The National Building Research Organisation has also emphasized that individuals previously identified by Divisional Secretariats as residing in high-risk areas and instructed to evacuate should immediately move to safe locations in accordance with the relevant guidelines.