February 22, Colombo (LNW): Torrential rain exceeding 200 millimetres has drenched several parts of the country in recent days, sharply elevating the threat of landslides, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned.
Senior Geologist Wasantha Senadeera said the sustained downpours have saturated soil layers in vulnerable hill country regions, prompting authorities to activate the highest level of precaution in a number of locations. As a result, Level 3 ‘Red’ evacuation notices have been issued to residents in 15 Divisional Secretariat divisions spanning four districts.
The affected areas include Udadumbara, Gangawata Ihala Korale, Doluwa and Yatinuwara in Kandy District; Kegalle, Yatiyanthota, Mawanella, Dehiowita and Aranayaka in Kegalle District; Laggala-Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Ukuwela, Wilgamuwa and Rattota in Matale District; and Ratnapura in Ratnapura District. Residents in these localities have been urged to move to designated safe centres without delay.
In addition, Level 2 (Amber) warnings — indicating a heightened state of alert — have been declared for 12 DS divisions across six districts, including Haldummulla in Badulla; Niyagama in Galle; Medadumbara and Pathadumbara in Kandy; Badalkumbura in Monaragala; several divisions in Nuwara Eliya such as Nildandhahinna, Walapane, Norwood and Ambagamuwa; as well as Kiriella, Kalawana and Ayagama in Ratnapura District.
A further 23 DS divisions in eight districts have been placed under Level 1 (Yellow) alerts, signalling the need for vigilance as ground conditions remain unstable. These cover parts of Badulla, Hambantota, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts.
Dr Senadeera noted that the warning levels are subject to change depending on rainfall patterns recorded over the coming hours. He cautioned that the cumulative effect of days of intense precipitation has significantly weakened slopes, particularly in areas with prior earth slips or ongoing construction.
The NBRO has advised motorists travelling through hilly terrain to exercise extreme care, especially along roads bordered by steep embankments. Members of the public have also been encouraged to watch for early signs of slope failure, such as cracks in walls or soil, tilting trees, or muddy water flowing unexpectedly. If heavy rain persists, residents have been urged to avoid landslide-prone zones altogether and to prioritise personal safety until conditions stabilise.