By: Isuru Parakrama
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have issued landslide warnings at three alert levels across several parts of Sri Lanka, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as persistent heavy rainfall increases the danger of slope failures and earth movements.
The highest-level red alerts, which include evacuation notices, are in force in selected Divisional Secretariat divisions in Ratnapura, Kalutara and Nuwara Eliya districts. Level Two and Level One warnings have also been issued for numerous other areas across eight districts, reflecting the widespread risk posed by the continuing wet weather.
Residents in locations covered by red alerts should give immediate attention to official evacuation instructions and move to safer places when directed. Those living in areas under lower-level warnings should remain alert to changing ground conditions and follow advice from disaster management authorities, particularly if rainfall intensifies.
The areas covered by the current warnings are as follows.
Red Alert – Evacuation Notices
Red-level landslide warnings requiring evacuation have been issued for these Divisional Secretariat divisions:
- Ratnapura District: Ratnapura, Ayagama, Pelmadulla, Kuruwita, Elapatha and Opanayaka.
- Kalutara District: Bulathsinhala and Dodangoda.
- Nuwara Eliya District: Ambagamuwa Korale and Norwood.
Residents in these areas face the highest alert level among the notices listed and should comply promptly with evacuation instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
Level Two Landslide Warnings
Level Two warnings, indicating an elevated risk of landslides, cover the following areas:
- Gampaha District: Attanagalla.
- Kalutara District: Agalawatta, Walallawita, Millaniya, Palindanuwara, Ingiriya, Madurawala and Matugama.
- Kandy District: Udunuwara, Pasbage Korale, Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha and Yatinuwara.
- Kegalle District: Kegalle, Ruwanwella, Mawanella, Rambukkana, Dehiowita, Aranayake, Galigamuwa, Deraniyagala, Yatiyantota, Bulathkohupitiya and Warakapola.
- Kurunegala District: Kurunegala.
- Nuwara Eliya District: Kotmale East and Kotmale West.
- Ratnapura District: Nivithigala, Kiriella, Balangoda, Godakawela, Eheliyagoda and Kalawana.
People living in these locations are advised to monitor official announcements closely and remain prepared to move if the situation deteriorates. Particular care should be taken around steep slopes, embankments and areas where the ground has become saturated following prolonged rainfall.
Level One Landslide Warnings
Level One warnings remain in force in the following areas:
- Colombo District: Seethawaka and Padukka.
- Galle District: Thawalama, Neluwa, Niyagama, Elpitiya and Karandeniya.
- Kalutara District: Beruwala and Horana.
- Kandy District: Doluwa, Hatharaliyadda, Thumpane, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Kundasale and Medadumbara.
- Kurunegala District: Mawathagama, Alawwa and Narammala.
- Matara District: Pitabeddara and Kotapola.
- Nuwara Eliya District: Nuwara Eliya and Talawakele.
- Ratnapura District: Kahawatta, Weligepola, Kolonna and Imbulpe.
Although Level One represents a lower warning category than Levels Two and Three, residents should not disregard the notices, particularly if heavy rain persists or local conditions change.
Authorities advise people in all affected areas to watch for warning signs such as new cracks in the ground or buildings, unusual changes in water flow, leaning trees and utility poles, or small earth movements on hillsides. Anyone observing such signs should move away from the immediate danger and inform the relevant authorities.
With warnings spanning residential areas, towns and rural communities across the island, continued attention to official updates and timely compliance with safety instructions will be essential to reducing the risk to lives and property.
