August 04, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued Red landslide evacuation warnings for several high-risk locations across four districts as persistent heavy rainfall continues to increase the threat of slope failures and earth slips.
The warnings came into effect at 9.00 a.m. today (04) and will remain valid until 9.00 a.m. tomorrow (05). Residents in the affected areas have been urged to evacuate immediately if instructed by authorities and to follow the guidance of disaster management officials without delay.
The areas placed under Red warnings are:
- Kandy District: Pasbage Korale, Ganga Ihala Korale and Ududumbara
- Kegalle District: Yatiyantota
- Nuwara Eliya District: Ambagamuwa and Norwood
The NBRO has also issued Level 2 (Amber) landslide warnings for areas where the risk of landslides remains high and residents have been advised to stay alert and be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.
The areas under Amber warnings are:
- Kandy District: Udapalatha, Doluwa, Medadumbara, Deltota and Panwila
- Kegalle District: Aranayaka, Deraniyagala, Bulathkohupitiya and Dehiowita
- Nuwara Eliya District: Nuwara Eliya, Kothmale East, Kothmale West and Thalawakelle
- Ratnapura District: Opanayaka, Imbulpe and Ratnapura
In addition, Level 1 (Yellow) landslide alerts have been issued for several areas, with residents advised to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates and report any signs of possible landslide activity to the relevant authorities.
The areas under Yellow alerts are:
- Kegalle District: Kegalle
- Nuwara Eliya District: Hanguranketha
- Ratnapura District: Nivitigala and Kuruwita
The NBRO has urged people living in vulnerable locations to remain alert for warning signs such as cracks in the ground, leaning trees, unusual water seepage and falling rocks, while closely following official advisories as adverse weather conditions continue to affect many parts of the country.