The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued landslide early warnings for several areas in Badulla, Matara, and Kegalle districts today due to heavy rains. A Level 1 (Yellow) warning has been issued for Haldummulla and Passara Divisional Secretariat divisions in Badulla district, Kotapola and Pasgoda Divisional Secretariat divisions in Matara district, and Kegalle Divisional Secretariat division in Kegalle district.
According to the NBRO, the rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 75 mm, and people living in the aforementioned areas have been urged to be on high alert about the possibility of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures, and ground subsidence.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology has warned that the prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to continue for the next few days. Showers or thundershowers are expected to occur over most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m., according to the weather report. Coastal areas of Western and Southern provinces, as well as Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Puttalam districts, may experience showers during the morning hours too.
Fairly heavy showers of about 100 mm are expected in parts of Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa district. Other areas of the island may also experience fairly heavy showers above 75 mm.
The general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. As the heavy rains and adverse weather conditions continue, people in the affected areas are urged to stay alert and take all necessary measures to ensure their safety.