August 03, Colombo (LNW): Government officials have been instructed to take urgent precautionary measures to minimise the risk to the public as adverse weather continues to affect several parts of the country.
The directive follows the latest weather advisories and risk assessments issued today (03) by the Department of Meteorology, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) and the Irrigation Department, warning of potential hazards linked to the deteriorating weather conditions.
Authorities have been told to maintain constant communication with residents living in areas identified by the NBRO as being vulnerable to landslides. Officials are also expected to ensure that communities receive timely updates on any landslide warnings issued by the relevant agencies.
People residing in high-risk locations have been urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual ground movement, cracks in the earth or other warning signs that could indicate an imminent landslide.
In addition, Divisional Secretaries have been instructed to activate village-level Disaster Management Committees and strengthen preparedness measures to protect communities facing the threat of landslides, flooding and other weather-related emergencies.
Officials have also been directed to identify vulnerable families without delay and arrange their evacuation to designated safe centres whenever conditions warrant such action.
Meanwhile, steps are being taken to ensure that evacuees, including those seeking temporary shelter with relatives, have access to food, safe drinking water and other essential supplies during the period of displacement.
The instructions were issued by K.G. Dharmathilaka, Additional Secretary of the Disaster Management Division, on behalf of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, as authorities intensify efforts to safeguard lives and minimise the impact of the ongoing spell of severe weather.