September 01, Colombo (LNW): Nearly 30,000 homes situated in areas considered highly vulnerable to landslides may have to be relocated, according to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
NBRO Senior Scientist Wasantha Senadeera said assessments had identified a significant number of households living in locations where remaining in their current residences poses a serious safety risk.
Of the homes identified, 16,746 were affected by the recent “Ditwa” disaster and are located within zones classified as having a high risk of landslides.
Senadeera said the situation had reached a point where residents in the most vulnerable properties would need to be evacuated rather than remain in place.
Authorities have therefore begun arrangements to provide alternative plots of land to affected families, with relocation expected to proceed as suitable sites are identified.
The move is intended to reduce the exposure of communities living in unstable terrain and prevent further loss of life and property should landslides occur in these high-risk areas.