February 22, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has placed a number of Divisional Secretariat Divisions on high alert after persistent heavy rain heightened the risk of landslides in several parts of the country.
According to an advisory released at 8.30 p.m. yesterday (21) evening, the warnings will remain valid for the next 24 hours, with residents in vulnerable areas urged to remain cautious and comply with official instructions.
Level 3 – Red Warning: Immediate Evacuation Advised
A Level 3 (Red) warning, the most serious category, has been declared for selected divisions in four districts, where ground conditions are considered highly unstable.
In Kandy District, the affected divisions include Yatinuwara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Ganga Ihala Korale.
In Kegalle District, alerts cover Yatiyanthota, Kegalle, Dehiowita, Aranayaka and Mawanella.
Several areas in Matale District — namely Rattota, Ambagamuwa Korale, Laggala Pallegama, Wilgamuwa and Ukuwela — have also been placed under evacuation notice.
Meanwhile, parts of Ratnapura District, including Ratnapura town and surrounding localities, are under similar red-level instructions.
Authorities have urged residents in these regions to move to safer ground without delay and to remain attentive to guidance from disaster management officials.
Level 2 – Amber Warning: Heightened Alert
A Level 2 (Amber) warning has been issued for Haldummulla in Badulla District, as well as Nildandahinna and Walapane in Nuwara Eliya District.
In Ratnapura District, Ayagama and Kiriella are also on alert, with communities advised to be prepared for possible evacuation should conditions deteriorate.
Level 1 – Yellow Warning: Remain Vigilant
Several other districts have been placed under Level 1 (Yellow) warnings, signalling the need for vigilance.
These include Meegahakiula, Kandaketiya, Haputale and Passara in Badulla District; Niyagama in Galle District; and Walasmulla in Hambantota District.
Additional divisions in Kandy District — Udadumbara, Pathadumbara, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Pasbage Korale and Pathahewaheta — have also been listed.
Deraniyagala in Kegalle District; Badalkumbura in Monaragala District; and several divisions in Nuwara Eliya District, including Kotmale West, Hanguranketha, Ambagamuwa, Kotmale East and Mathurata, are similarly affected.
Kuruwita, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda and Kolonna in Ratnapura District complete the list of areas under yellow alert.
The NBRO has cautioned that continuous rainfall may further weaken slopes and embankments, increasing the likelihood of earth slips, rockfalls and sudden ground subsidence. Members of the public living near steep slopes, cuttings or waterways are strongly encouraged to monitor updates and report any visible cracks, tilting trees or unusual water seepage to local authorities immediately.