COLOMBO, September 20 — The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued urgent landslide early warnings for six districts across Sri Lanka as heavy, persistent rainfall continues to lash various parts of the country.
The alert, released by the disaster management authorities this afternoon, highlights a significant risk of slope failures, rock falls, and subsidence in mountainous and hilly regions. The districts currently under the high-alert advisory are Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura.
According to the official bulletin, the warnings are set to remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on September 21. The NBRO has categorized these areas based on the cumulative rainfall received over the past 24 hours, noting that the soil in these regions has become increasingly saturated, significantly raising the potential for landslides.
“Residents living in these identified districts, particularly those residing in landslide-prone areas, should exercise extreme vigilance,” an NBRO spokesperson stated. “If you observe pre-landslide signs—such as the sudden appearance of cracks on walls, the tilting of trees or utility poles, the muddying of spring water, or the sudden emergence of new water streams—it is imperative that you vacate the premises immediately and move to a safer location.”
Local authorities in the affected districts have been instructed to activate emergency response protocols to assist vulnerable communities. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has advised the public to remain alert for updates and follow instructions issued by local officials, especially those residing near steep slopes or unstable terrain. Motorists traveling through the central highlands are also being urged to exercise caution due to the increased risk of rock falls and earth slips along arterial roads.
The current weather pattern is being driven by the prevailing monsoon conditions, which have brought heavy downpours to the southwestern parts of the island. Meteorological experts have predicted that while some areas may experience brief lulls, the overall instability is expected to persist throughout the night.
Emergency teams, including search and rescue units, are currently on standby to address any incidents that may arise as a result of the inclement weather. The NBRO has emphasized that although these warnings are strictly time-bound until tomorrow morning, they will continue to monitor rainfall data throughout the night and may extend or escalate the warnings if conditions deteriorate further.
Citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to local radio stations and official government channels for the latest developments. In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to contact the Disaster Management Centre’s emergency hotline immediately. As the country braces for a difficult night, authorities stress that early evacuation remains the most effective way to prevent loss of life in high-risk zones.
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