The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the ongoing ‘Level-3’ (Red) landslide evacuation warnings issued to 33 Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) across four districts, citing continued heavy rainfall and worsening ground conditions.
Senior Geologist Dr. Wasantha Senadheera said the decision follows rainfall exceeding 75 mm in several areas of the Badulla and Kandy districts over the past few days. He noted that landslides were reported on Thursday (11) in Meegahakivula and Demodara, stressing the need for heightened public vigilance.
In addition to the Red Alert, the Level-2 (Amber) warning, which signals urgent awareness of potential landslides, remains active for 38 DSDs in five districts. Meanwhile, a Level-1 (Yellow) watch alert continues in 17 DSDs across three districts.
Dr. Senadheera warned that all warnings may be revised depending on further rainfall, urging residents to stay alert and closely follow updates issued by the Disaster Management Center (DMC), the Department of Irrigation, the NBRO, and the Department of Meteorology. He reminded the public that the country has already recorded multiple fatalities due to recent landslides.
According to the NBRO, 2,716 requests for inspections of high-risk areas have been received between November 20 and today (12), with 589 assessments completed so far.
Underscoring the severity of the situation, Dr. Senadheera strongly advised the public to avoid all unnecessary travel and remain in safe locations. He added that the NBRO had received inquiries about weekend excursions, remarking, “This is not the time to go on trips. We are in a dangerous situation.”