The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has urged the public to avoid unstable and high-risk areas in Udadumbara, Kandy District, following intense rainfall exceeding 200 mm recorded over the past few days.
According to the NBRO, the continuous heavy rain has significantly increased the risk of landslides and slope failures, particularly in locations where early warning signs of ground instability have already been observed. Residents in vulnerable zones have been advised to limit travel and remain alert to changing ground conditions.
NBRO Senior Geologist Dr. Wasantha Senadheera stated that, due to worsening weather conditions, Level 3 (Red) landslide evacuation warnings have been issued for eight Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.
In the Kandy District, the warning applies to the Doluwa, Udadumbara, Medadumbara, and Minipe Divisional Secretariat Divisions. Meanwhile, Mathurata, Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, and Walapane divisions in the Nuwara Eliya District have also been placed under the highest landslide alert level.
Authorities have further cautioned residents to immediately avoid houses, buildings, or structures showing visible cracks, tilting, or ground movement, as these may indicate imminent slope failure.
The NBRO emphasized that remaining in or near such locations could pose a serious threat to life, urging people to relocate to safer areas when advised and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities and disaster management officials.
