May 14, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation has expanded landslide warnings for several parts of the country amid continuing heavy rainfall and unstable ground conditions triggered by the ongoing adverse weather.
Authorities warned that persistent downpours forecast over the coming days could increase the risk of earth slips, rock falls and slope failures, particularly in vulnerable hill country and low-lying regions.
According to the NBRO, Level 2 warnings — indicating a heightened risk of landslides — remain active in a number of areas, including Neluwa in the Galle District, as well as Agalawatte, Baduraliya, Mathugama, Horana and Walallawita in the Kalutara District. Similar alerts have also been issued for Ratnapura and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura District.
Meanwhile, Level 1 early warnings have been extended to several additional locations across the island. In the Badulla District, Bandarawela, Passara and Hali Ela were identified as areas requiring close monitoring due to saturated soil conditions.
The warning list also covers multiple Divisional Secretariat areas in Kandy, Kegalle, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya, Matale and Kurunegala districts, where residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in regions prone to hillside erosion and flooding.
In the central hills, areas such as Kotmale, Norwood and Ambagamuwa have been placed under observation as continuing showers raise concerns over possible slope instability near tea estates and residential settlements.
The Department of Meteorology has forecast further rainfall and thundershowers in many of the affected districts, prompting disaster management authorities to urge the public to stay alert for early warning signs including cracks in walls and roads, tilting trees, sudden water seepage and unusual sounds from the ground.
Residents living near steep slopes, embankments and cut terrain have been requested to remain prepared for possible evacuations if conditions deteriorate.
