COLOMBO – Authorities have issued an urgent landslide warning for six districts across the country as heavy monsoon rains continue to lash the island, triggering fears of geological instability in high-risk areas.
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) released the alert late today, citing continuous rainfall that has saturated the soil beyond safety thresholds in vulnerable hilly regions. The districts currently under the high-alert watch include Ratnapura, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Kalutara, and Galle.
Meteorological experts have reported that the ongoing weather pattern has dumped significant volumes of rain over the central highlands and southern foothills over the past 48 hours. With the soil composition already precarious in these mountainous territories, the risk of slope failure, sudden landslides, and rockfalls has reached a critical level.
In an official bulletin, the NBRO urged residents living in these specific zones to remain vigilant. The organization has advised those living in areas with high slopes, unstable embankments, or near drainage paths to move to safer locations immediately if they notice signs of impending danger. Warning signs include the sudden appearance of cracks on walls or floors, the tilting of trees or utility poles, the muddying of water in natural springs, and the unexpected emergence of new water trickles from slopes.
“Public safety is our primary concern,” a spokesperson for the disaster management agency stated. “While we are closely monitoring the situation, residents must take individual responsibility by observing their surroundings and complying with evacuation orders issued by local authorities.”
Emergency response teams, including the Disaster Management Center (DMC) and local police units, have been placed on high alert. Search and rescue personnel are currently being mobilized to the six affected districts to assist with any emergency evacuations should the situation deteriorate further. Local government officials have been instructed to open temporary shelters in community centers and schools for those forced to flee their homes.
Transportation remains a major concern, as officials have cautioned motorists to avoid unnecessary travel through hilly corridors where the risk of debris falling onto roads is high. Significant disruptions are expected on major arterial roads connecting the central highlands to the coastal plains, with traffic police monitoring unstable sections of the highway.
As the wet spell is forecasted to persist for at least another 24 to 48 hours, the NBRO has reminded the public that the “Level 2” warning status means that the potential for landslides remains high. Citizens are advised to keep emergency kits ready and to stay tuned to local radio and official social media channels for real-time updates.
This warning follows a series of recent weather-related incidents that have left several regions waterlogged. Authorities remain hopeful that early intervention and increased vigilance will prevent any loss of life as the country navigates the peak of the current rainy season.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
