February 28, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has revealed plans to modernise the 330 automated rain gauges currently deployed across Sri Lanka.
The upgrades aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of early warning systems, particularly in identifying landslide risks during periods of heavy rainfall.
Dr. Gamini Jayatissa, Senior Geologist at the Landslide Studies Division, highlighted that the existing rain gauges already play a crucial role in monitoring rainfall in real-time, providing valuable data to issue early warnings when landslide threats are imminent.
However, to enhance the effectiveness of this system, the NBRO plans to increase the number of automated rain gauges across the country to 480.
This expansion is expected to significantly improve the precision of rainfall data collection, ensuring that warnings can be issued with greater accuracy and timeliness.
Dr. Jayatissa explained that these upgrades would not only allow for more comprehensive monitoring of rainfall patterns but also strengthen the overall capacity to respond to natural disasters.
The project reflects the government’s commitment to improving disaster resilience and safeguarding communities, particularly in regions prone to landslides and flooding.
By increasing the network of rain gauges, Sri Lanka aims to provide more accurate and reliable early warnings, which could ultimately save lives and reduce the economic impact of such disasters.
