January 19, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a series of early warnings for landslides in several districts, as heavy rain continues to affect large parts of the island.
These warnings are in effect until 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (20).
The organisation has categorised the warnings by severity, with a Level 1 (Yellow) warning now in place for multiple areas in the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Matale.
These areas have been identified as particularly vulnerable to potential landslides due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. The affected Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) and their surrounding regions include:
- Badulla District: Badulla, Passara, and Hali Ela DSDs and nearby areas.
- Kandy District: Medadumbara, Pathadumbara, and Doluwa DSDs, along with surrounding areas.
- Kurunegala District: Rideegama DSD and neighbouring regions.
- Matale District: Laggala Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Pallepola, Matale, and Naula DSDs, including nearby areas.
In addition, a more serious Level 2 (Orange) warning has been issued for certain parts of Kandy and Matale. These regions face an increased risk due to the continuous rainfall, and the following areas have been highlighted as especially at risk:
- Kandy District: Ududumbara DSD and its surrounding regions.
- Matale District: Yatawatta, Ukuwela, Rattota, and Wilgamuwa DSDs, as well as the surrounding areas.
Local authorities have advised residents in the affected areas to be prepared for the possibility of landslides and take all necessary precautions.
Officials are also urging motorists to exercise extreme caution on roads that pass through hilly or unstable terrain.