September 21, Colombo (LNW): Around 35 minor incidents linked to ground instability have been recorded across Sri Lanka as persistent heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of the country, according to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
Speaking to a televised programme today (21), NBRO Senior Geologist Dr Imaya Ariyaratne said the incidents reported so far had not resulted in any major disasters. However, she cautioned that the prolonged spell of wet weather could increase the likelihood of more serious incidents if the rainfall persists at its current intensity.
More than 300 millimetres of rain has been measured in some areas over the past three days. Continued downpours could destabilise already saturated ground and lead to a range of hazards, including landslides, rockfalls, subsidence and slope collapses.
Dr Ariyaratne said no major landslides or other significant ground failures had been reported at the time of the interview, with the incidents recorded so far remaining relatively limited in scale.
The NBRO has identified 14 districts as being vulnerable to landslides, with the highest level of Red Warning currently in force for six districts. Officials have cautioned that the warning coverage could be expanded if rainfall becomes heavier or ground conditions deteriorate further.
As landslide alerts are issued according to specific regions, residents have been urged to monitor warnings and weather updates relevant to their own areas rather than relying solely on information issued for other parts of the country.
The NBRO has also reiterated its advice to people living in locations previously identified by Divisional Secretariats as high-risk zones. Residents who have already been instructed to evacuate should leave without delay and relocate to designated safe areas, officials said.