The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued its highest-level landslide warning for several areas in Galle, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts as persistent heavy rainfall increases the risk of landslides and other slope-related hazards.
The Level 3 (Red) warning came into effect at 4.00 p.m. on 25 September and will remain valid until 4.00 p.m. on 26 September.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to move to safe locations if heavy rain continues, as conditions could trigger landslides, slope failures, rockfalls, failures of cut slopes and ground subsidence.
Areas Under the Red Warning
In Galle District, the Red warning covers the Neluwa, Nagoda, Niyagama and Thawalama Divisional Secretariat divisions, along with surrounding areas.
In Kandy District, Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa and Pasbage Korale are under the highest-level warning.
The Red warning also applies to Kothmale West, Ambagamuwa, Kotmale East and Norwood in Nuwara Eliya District.
Amber Warnings in Several Districts
The NBRO has also issued Level 2 (Amber) warnings for a number of areas.
These include Elpitiya, Baddegama, and Karandeniya in Galle; Walallawita in Kalutara; and Deltota, Udunuwara, Gangawata Korale, Yatinuwara and Panvila in Kandy.
In Kegalle District, the Amber warning covers Aranayake, Dehiowita, Mawanella, Deraniyagala and Yatiyanthota.
Thalawakele in Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura and Pelmadulla in Ratnapura District are also under the Level 2 warning. The warning level for Pelmadulla has been raised from the previous level.
Meanwhile, Level 1 (Yellow) warnings remain in force for selected areas of Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts. The Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretariat division has newly been included in the Yellow warning list.
Public Urged to Watch for Landslide Warning Signs
The NBRO said the warning levels were determined using cumulative rainfall measurements in the relevant areas together with weather forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology.
People living near steep slopes, valleys, man-made cut slopes and roads in potentially unstable locations are urged to exercise extra caution. Particular attention should be given to areas that have previously been identified as vulnerable to landslides.
Residents should also remain alert for possible warning signs, including new cracks or sinking ground, leaning trees or utility poles, cracks developing in buildings on slopes, and the sudden appearance of springs or muddy water.
Anyone in a landslide-prone area should follow official instructions and move to a safer location if conditions deteriorate.